About Intercostal Neuralgia
Key Highlights
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Provides targeted relief from sharp, burning rib cage pain.Can improve breathing capacity by reducing pain associated with chest wall movement.Offers a diagnostic tool to confirm the nerve as the pain source.Minimally invasive treatment options are often available on an outpatient basis.Aims to reduce or eliminate the need for systemic pain medications.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic, severe pain along the rib cage following shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
- Neuropathic pain after thoracic surgery, trauma, or rib fractures.
- Pain unresponsive to conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy.
- Suspected nerve entrapment or irritation causing radiating chest or abdominal wall pain.
- To provide diagnostic clarity when the origin of chest wall pain is uncertain.
How to prepare
- Complete a detailed medical history review and neurological examination with the neurologist.
- Disclose all current medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be paused.
- Undergo necessary imaging (MRI, CT) to rule out other causes of chest pain.
- Fast for a few hours if a procedural nerve block or ablation is planned.
- Arrange for transportation home, as sedation may be used during the procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, bleeding, or bruising at the injection/insertion site.
- Temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area.
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) – a rare but serious risk with intercostal procedures.
- Allergic reaction to the local anesthetic or contrast dye.
- Incomplete pain relief or recurrence of symptoms over time.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-procedure monitoring for 1-2 hours to check for complications.
- Mild soreness at the injection site is common for a day or two; ice packs can help.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 24-48 hours.
- Pain relief from a diagnostic block may be immediate but temporary; therapeutic effects from ablation may take days to manifest.
- Follow-up with the neurologist to assess outcomes and plan further management if needed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient) to 1 day
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for injection site soreness; 1-2 weeks for full effect of neuroablative procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intercostal neuralgia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intercostal neuralgia in India include Medanta The Medicity, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intercostal neuralgia. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intercostal neuralgia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 54 – USD 435 | 0 days (outpatient) to 1 day | ~ 1-2 days for injection site soreness; 1-2 weeks for full effect of neuroablative procedures | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 403 – USD 3,221 | 0 days (outpatient) to 1 day | ~ 1-2 days for injection site soreness; 1-2 weeks for full effect of neuroablative procedures | Know More |
Top hospitals for Intercostal Neuralgia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intercostal neuralgia.
Had my gallbladder out last week....
Had my gallbladder out last week. The surgery itself was fine, but the first two days after were rough. Dr. Madhumitha was really on top of my pain meds, adjusting them a few times until it was manageable. She checked on me every morning and evening at MGM, which helped a lot. I'm home now and the recovery is going okay, just taking it slow.
Neurologists for Intercostal Neuralgia
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform intercostal neuralgia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore
- 23 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital EM Bypass
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria
- 16 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore