Intercostal Neuralgia Treatment

Intercostal Neuralgia Treatment

Intercostal neuralgia is due to irritation of one of the intercostal nerves. The intercostal nerves come off the spinal cord at the thoracic spine and run along the under surface of the ribs. The intercostal nerves innervate the muscles of the chest, skin and chest cavity. The intercostal nerves can get inflamed, irritated or pinched by vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments), discs, bone spurs, shingles or tumors. Intercostal neuralgia can cause severe pain along any one of the ribs. Pain is usually described as sharp, stabbing, muscle spasms, tender, aching, intense. It usually hurts to laugh, cough, rotate and sometimes the slightest movement can cause extreme pain.

Intercostal Nerves

Intercostal neuralgia is treatable. Fracture can be ruled out with x-rays but if there is a fracture there is not a lot you can do except wear a rib belt and avoid movement. Conservative Intercostal Neuralgia treatment consists of sleeping on your back at all times. Sleeping on your side will make it worse. Gonstead Chiropractic Adjustments can specifically correct vertebral subluxations that are causing misalignment between the rib and the corresponding vertebra. A posture shirt can help to bring the shoulders back and limit movement. When standing, the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle should line up in a straight line. Ice therapy can decrease swelling, nerve irritation and muscle spasm. Ice packs can be applied at intervals of 20 minutes on and 60 minutes off, then repeat as much as possible. Class IV High power laser therapy can help decrease swelling and inflammation along the nerve. Massage or Active Release Technique can help increase range of motion in the thoracic spine.

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