Patient's question:
Right ribs have a dull ache, no discomfort during exercise, but when sitting down, there's a dull ache between the ribs. It's been going on for a while. When I had a thorough check-up, the doctor said it was intercostal neuralgia. What could be the cause of this?Doctor's answer:
Intercostal neuralgia, also known as intercostal neuritis, is primarily caused by chronic inflammation of the intercostal nerves due to injury (acute recurrence of a chronic disease). It is mainly considered to be based on localized multiple intercostal neuralgia, which may be caused by previous trauma, or in a very small number of cases, it is related to sequelae after multiple viral infections. Its characteristic is pain along the arrangement of the intercostal nerves, sometimes radiating through the intercostal spaces.In daily life, you can also take herbs that promote blood circulation and unblock meridians. Specific medication should be followed by a doctor's advice, and you can also choose to apply cold compresses to the affected area with a towel for a few minutes. Patients with long-term conditions may experience increased sensitivity in the intercostal skin and stiff muscles, as well as signs of severe pain or scar contracture.