Intercostal Neuralgia Treatment in India

Aditya Joshi, a 42-year-old software engineer...

Aditya Joshi, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had always been active. His life changed six months ago after a minor car accident. While he escaped major injury, he developed a persistent, sharp, burning pain that wrapped around his right rib cage. It felt like an electric shock with every deep breath, cough, or twist. He could no longer play cricket with his sons or sit comfortably at his desk for long periods. Over-the-counter painkillers offered no relief, and he grew increasingly frustrated and withdrawn, worried he'd never be the active dad he once was. After multiple tests ruled out cardiac and pulmonary issues, his neurologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed Intercostal Neuralgia, likely from nerve irritation during the accident. Dr. Sharma recommended an intercostal nerve block, a targeted injection of anesthetic and steroid to calm the inflamed nerve. Aditya was nervous but desperate. The procedure, done under ultrasound guidance, was quick with only a slight pinch. Within an hour, the constant burning pain that had been his shadow for months was dramatically muted. Over the next week, combined with gentle physiotherapy, his pain continued to subside. He felt a wave of profound relief and hope. While he still has occasional twinges, he can now breathe freely, hug his children tightly, and is gradually returning to his old routines, feeling reconnected to his family and himself.