Meralgia parästhetica

This cumbersome technical term describes the complaints caused by compression of the nerve responsible for transmitting pain and touch information from the lateral thigh. The nerve passes under the inguinal ligament on its way from the skin of the thigh to the spinal cord, where there is an increased risk of nerve entrapment. The risk factors for such a so-called constriction syndrome include obesity, diabetes mellitus, professions involving predominantly standing work and intensive strength training of the thigh and hip muscles.

Burning nerve pain and tingling sensations in the lateral thigh are typical of a meralgia parästhetica, which often improve when the hip joint is bent (i.e. the leg is lifted). In more advanced stages, numbness may also be experienced. On the other hand, touch can become so painful that even wearing pants is perceived as extremely unpleasant.

In the therapy of meralgia parästhetica, the elimination of risk factors is of great importance, and painkillers are also used. In addition, the nerve can also be immobilized by injecting local anesthetics and glucocorticoids (cortisone). If all these measures do not bring about a satisfactory improvement, surgical decompression of the nerve can be considered.

Intercostal neuralgiaIntercostal neuralgia

Nerves called intercostal nerves run between the ribs. These nerves can also be damaged and cause neuralgia, an intercostal neuralgia. The belt-shaped pain is characteristic of the chest or back area (nerve pain in the back) and is of a persistent form.

Pressure increases in the thorax, e.g. coughing, increase the pain like an attack and patients describe it as very intense. Due to the localization at the thorax, which many people associate with heart or lung problems, breathing difficulties and anxiety attacks often occur in addition. Sensory disturbances in the supply area of the nerve can also occur.

Intercostal neuralgia is more a symptom than a disease in itself. Many different diseases of the spinal column, the rib bones, the pleura or the lungs can lead to such neuralgia. There is also the possibility of intercostal neuralgia developing in the context of shingles.

In rare cases, the nerve pain is triggered by spinal cord disease, aortic narrowing or tumors. During the diagnostic process, care must be taken to ensure that no other disease than intercostal neuralgia is misinterpreted. Thus, problems with the heart, stomach, liver or gallbladder can also trigger similar pain symptoms.