Nerve inflammation of the ribs | Nerve inflammation

Nerve inflammation of the ribs

Shingles (herpes zoster) is typical of an inflammation of the nerves that spreads along the ribs. This is based on an infection with the varicella zoster virus, which is the primary disease causing chickenpox (varicella). Afterwards, the virus remains inactive in the body for years in the nerve nodes.

If the immune system is weakened (which often happens with increasing age), the virus can multiply again. Then the viruses spread again along the nerves, which manifests itself in a reddening of the skin with or without blistering and often severe pain at the affected area. In the area of the trunk there is a one-sided belt-shaped spread.

Nerve inflammation in the back

If an inflammation of the nerves occurs in the area of the back, the complaints usually express themselves at rest. For example, getting up in the morning is felt to be particularly painful, and some sufferers even wake up at night because of the pain. Physical activity, on the other hand, often relieves the symptoms.

If this is the case, nerve inflammation is much more likely than other causes, such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joints) or osteoporosis, where the pain decreases at rest and increases during physical activity. In most cases of nerve inflammation in the back, the lower part of the back and especially the sacroiliac joint is affected. The expert then speaks of sacroiliitis.

Such inflammations can occur individually or in combination with so-called rheumatoid spondylarthritis, among which Bekhterev’s disease is probably the most common. If the latter is not the case, a connection can often be made with long periods of sitting on an uncomfortable surface, such as in the office. In such cases, the complaints can usually be effectively combated by choosing a more appropriate seat base and regular breaks from sitting with sufficient exercise.

Nerve inflammation due to stress

If a patient suffers from the symptoms described above, such as sensory disturbances, paralysis, etc. During the doctor-patient consultation, the cause of an inflammation of the nerves can be sought by asking about the circumstances. Previous infections, traumas, medication, etc.

are asked. During the neurological physical examination, the symptoms are recorded precisely. A blood test is used to search for possible pathogens of a previous infection and for autoantibodies that could damage the nerve-enveloping tissue.

Inflammation parameters can also be checked. The examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid and spinal fluid) can also be groundbreaking. This is removed by means of a lumbar puncture.

Depending on the affected nerve, there are other, very different examination methods available. In the case of inflammation of the optic nerve, for example, it is examined by checking the pupillary light reflex; if inflammation of nerves in the arm is suspected, the muscle strength of the corresponding muscles is tested, etc. In this way almost every nerve in the body can be examined for its function.

Imaging procedures such as an MRI can be used to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS) because they show inflammatory sites in the central nervous system (CNS). For example, the speed of nerve conduction can be measured by means of certain instrumental examinations. This is determined by electroneurography.

The nerve conduction velocity is slowed down when the myelin sheaths that surround the nerves are damaged. In turn, electromyography (EMG), which measures the voltage in the muscle, can be used to determine whether the underlying problem is in the muscle or the associated nerve in the case of muscle dysfunction (such as flaccid paralysis). If nerves of the autonomic nervous system are affected, disturbances in the autonomous regulation of blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and digestion can occur. These disorders manifest themselves, for example, in heart complaints, stomach cramps or constipation. The ECG (electrocardiogram), for example, is used for diagnosis.