Intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy: treatment, symptoms, causes

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The problem of intercostal neuralgia (ICD-10 code - G58.0) during pregnancy is not uncommon. In addition, it is aggravated by the fact that not all remedies can be recommended to a woman, since this can harm the unborn child. Meanwhile, if you timely and competently approach the solution of the issue, then you can get rid of the pathology.

Reasons

The occurrence of intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy contributes to the following:

1. Mechanical factors. With an increase in the size of the abdomen, the pressure on the chest frame increases. Accordingly, on the internal organs. This does not go unnoticed by the body. The places of the spine with intercostal nerve endings also suffer. This condition can accompany a woman throughout the entire period of pregnancy, but with the birth of a child, everything returns to normal.
2. The cause of intercostal neuralgia may be herpes zoster. If in childhood a woman had an infection such as chickenpox, then the virus in the body remains for life. It just doesn't show up because it's ininactive state. If there are favorable conditions for its development (for example, pregnancy), then it is activated, rashes appear on the skin. Their place, among other things, can be the zones where the intercostal nerves are located. As a result, neuralgia occurs, which gives the woman severe discomfort. If the rash disappears, then the disease itself disappears.
3. Osteochondrosis is also one of the reasons for this condition. And during pregnancy, it occurs quite often, due to an increase in the load on the spinal column. Damage may occur where nerves exit the spine.
4. Decrease in the body's immune defenses due to frequent colds.
5. Stress has a certain value in the occurrence of intercostal neuralgia.
6. Sometimes the condition is due to the action of increased physical activity.
7. Chest injury.
8. The reason may be a hormonal failure that occurs during pregnancy.
9. A woman often has a lack of vitamins, which can also cause intercostal neuralgia.

The provoking factor is the presence of bad habits. It's no secret that some women smoke and show an increased interest in Bacchus.

Therapy

With intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, treatment depends on the cause of this condition. Therefore, it is strongly not recommended to self-diagnose and take various drugs. itis the exclusive competence of the physician.

It is always necessary to remember that many medicines are banned during pregnancy, and the doctor is able to choose the optimal remedy for a particular patient.

Symptom complex of intercostal neuralgia

With intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, the symptoms and their nature determine the direction of treatment. The task of a woman is not to make an independent diagnosis and start therapy, but to seek medical advice as early as possible.

Only in his competence to correctly diagnose and prescribe appropriate therapy. A woman should always remember that during pregnancy she is responsible not only for herself, but also for the he alth of her unborn child.

The most common signs are:

1. A woman feels pain, the localization of which is the intercostal space. Sometimes the sensations are like heartaches.
2. Symptoms come in waves. Pains appear with a certain frequency, and then disappear. As the duration of pregnancy increases, so does the frequency of discomfort.
3. Accession of skin changes. There may be redness, itching, rashes are possible. Such manifestations are most characteristic if the cause is herpes zoster.

Some women experience muscle cramps, excessive sweating, and pale skin.

The main symptom of neuralgia- pain

Of course, pain is the main symptom. Its intensity can be different and depends on the severity of the process, as well as the individual characteristics of the woman. The pain may subside at rest and worsen with movement. On inspiration, its strengthening is always noted.

Different irradiation of pain is typical, in connection with which unpleasant sensations can be observed in the back, shoulder blade, and other places. This disguise greatly complicates the diagnosis.

With intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, not every woman knows what to do with pain. Therefore, you should not guess what is the cause - the heart or something else, but it is better to immediately call an ambulance.

Diagnosis

Methods for diagnosing intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women are no different from the standard ones. The doctor carefully collects an anamnesis, conducts an examination and is guided by the data of instrumental research methods.

These include the following species:

1. X-ray.
2. CT or MRI.
3. To rule out heart pathology, its electrical activity is determined using an ECG.
4. Ultrasound of internal organs.
5. Examination of vessels using angiography.

When determining intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, treatment is prescribed only after a thorough examination.

A general blood test has a certain information content. Depending on the symptoms and condition of the patient, additional research methods may be prescribed.

Featurestreatment

If you experience pain, you need to see a doctor. First aid measures are of a general nature. Before consulting with a specialist, no ointments and local anesthetics should be used. Since their components can be absorbed into the blood, the question of the possibility of using drugs is exclusively medical competence.

If mild intercostal neuralgia occurs during pregnancy, treatment is not required. The pain usually resolves on its own without the use of any medication.

Massage

The doctor may prescribe acupressure sessions. Such manipulations perfectly relax the muscles. Along with this, the pain also goes away.

But do not confuse this procedure with a regular massage - it is contraindicated during pregnancy. The fact is that the process can provoke premature birth.

Anesthesia

Many are interested in the question of how to deal with intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, while not harming the fetus. If the pain syndrome is severe, drugs for anesthesia may be prescribed.

You can lubricate painful places with a warming ointment based on bee venom. As a result, muscle relaxation occurs, and pain disappears with it.

Gymnastics

Special gymnastics is shown (light version for pregnant women). Such exercises lead to increased blood circulation and eliminate pain.

Recommendations

Recommended bed rest with a minimum load on the chest. If there is unbearable pain, then novocaine blockades may be prescribed by the doctor.

Additionally, a course of vitamin preparations is being taken. Vitamins of group B are especially indicated. Various physiotherapeutic procedures, a course of reflexology, and a set of therapeutic exercises give a good effect.

It must be remembered that if intercostal neuralgia occurs during pregnancy, only a doctor will determine how to treat it. Any ointment and cream for pain relief is used only with his permission.

Possible Complications

Intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women can be complicated by various conditions:

• pain shock develops;
• pain radiates to adjacent muscles;
• abdominal and respiratory muscles begin to weaken;
• inflammatory processes in the intervertebral space;
• various disorders in the musculoskeletal system.

Prevention

Preventive measures, as with any other disease, are of great importance. It is difficult to completely exclude intercostal neuralgia in pregnant women (ICD-10 code - G58.0), but it is quite possible to minimize its manifestations.

Recommended for this:

• categorical exclusion of excessive physical activity;
• don't overcool and keep your feet dry;
• during the rise in the incidence of colds, visiting public places should be avoided as much as possible;
• strengthening the immunesystem;
• rational, balanced nutrition;
• fight against bad habits;
• avoid presence in conflict stressful situations;
• in late pregnancy it is recommended to wear a special bandage.

Conclusion

With intercostal neuralgia during pregnancy, treatment should be correct and timely. And following simple recommendations will help a woman minimize the risk of the disease.