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This blog is a special collection of new medicine articles about many health topics.

Rib cage pain

I broke my 8th rib on the back flat side. I also damaged the nerve. I have had nerve blocks, cryoablation and finally nerve dissection. I still have bad pain almost constantly around my left side. I have had myoneural blocks but only provided short term relief. My doctor doesn't want to keep injecting me if it only provding short term relief. He has discharged me saying there's nothing more he can do. I still have unbearable pain around the left side of my lower rib cage. Does anyone have any other suggestions for treatments? I am considering acupuncture. I don't know what else to do for it and I can't stand this on a constant basis. I have been dealing with this since April 05. I also want to get off my medication but can't. Neurontin is about the only thing that relieves some pain. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Ann Marie

Answers:


For chronic neuropathic pain, if that's the diagnosis, a consultation with a pain specialist is recommended. In addition to Neurontin, various other medication possibilities are available and should be explored. Also transcutaneous nerve stimulation, physical therapy and in some cases, spinal cord stimulation may provide relief. First, a definite diagnosis needs to be made, based on thorough history, physical examination and radiology (I'm sure your doctor has done these already). Ask for a referral or second opinion if your doctor is unable to help you.Thank you for your reply. I have been to 2 pain specialists. I have been diagnosed by both as having intercostal neuralgia. I have had nerve blocks, cryoablation, nerve dissection, tons of physical therapy, aqua therapy. Nerve blocks worked but only short term. Physical therapy severely aggravated my pain. Spinal cord stimulator was recommended by one but the other disagreed. I have since then been discharged by both and still have awful pain. My next step is accupuncture unless someone has a better solution. Thank You.A complex history of chronic pain, such as yours, presents a very difficult treatment challenge. A thorough psychosocial evaluation is required in addition to considering the physical and medical side of the problem. A logical, solid treatment plan is needed based on those evaluations, and all treatment modalities must be explored in a controlled manner. I'm afraid I can't help you much over the Internet, given that this is such a complex issue. I can only recommend that you find a pain specialist who has high recommendations and one that you feel you can trust, and work with that doctor in trying to find an effective treatment. Good luck!