Prophylaxis
The prognosis for intercostal neuralgia varies depending on the underlying disease. If the original disease is detected and treated early enough, the prognosis is good. It worsens the longer the pain remains untreated, partly because the underlying disease is not clearly identifiable. If the pain persists over a longer period of time, there is a risk of developing a chronic pain syndrome, which can cause great psychological stress.
Duration
The period of time during which patients suffer from intercostal neuralgia varies greatly from person to person and depends largely on the cause of the neuralgia. If it is a symptom that has occurred in the context of a rib injury, the pain can last several weeks until the original injury has healed. An intercostal neuralgia, which occurs in the context of inflammation, usually heals much faster. A quick and correct diagnosis of the cause is decisive for the fastest possible freedom from pain so that an appropriate therapy can be initiated.
How long are you unable to work?
Intercostal neuralgia is usually an extremely painful disease and in many cases leads to temporary inability to work. How long this lasts varies greatly from patient to patient. For example, the various causes of intercostal neuralgia each have different healing times.
The occupation exercised can also have an influence on the length of the sick leave. For example, patients with a profession involving heavy physical strain may need a longer period of rest. The individual duration of the incapacity to work must be discussed with the treating physician and at least freedom from pain should be achieved before work is resumed.
When can I start doing sports again?
Many patients with intercostal neuralgia wonder when they will be allowed to take more physical exercise and do sports again. This is a decision that has to be made individually for each patient together with the physician and is largely dependent on the cause of the intercostal neuralgia. If this occurred, for example, in the context of a rib injury, it is essential to wait until the injury has completely healed to rule out a new injury.
It is important to note that complete physical rest is only necessary in very few cases. Often, light physical activities are helpful in the healing process. In this case, the doctor treating the patient should be consulted and, if necessary, means such as physiotherapy should be used.
