Trigeminal neuralgia on the costal side typically manifests as sudden, severe pain in the rib area. Treatment requires a combination of pain medication, physical therapy, and nerve blocks to relieve the pain. Its causes may be related to nerve compression, inflammation, or trauma, and targeted treatment should be administered based on the specific circumstances.
1. Common causes of trigeminal neuralgia include nerve compression, local inflammation, or trauma. Nerve compression may be caused by spinal problems or muscle tension, inflammation may be related to infection or immune response, and trauma may include rib fractures or contusions. These factors lead to abnormal nerve discharge, causing severe pain.
2. For nerve compression, physical therapy such as acupuncture, massage, and hot compresses can be used to help relieve muscle tension and improve nerve compression. For inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac sodium can be used to reduce the inflammatory response.
3. Nerve block is an effective treatment method that quickly relieves pain by blocking nerve conduction through the injection of anesthetic drugs or hormones. Minimally invasive surgery such as radiofrequency ablation can also be considered to reduce abnormal nerve discharges.
4. In daily life, avoid overexertion and poor posture to prevent further nerve compression. Engaging in low-intensity exercise such as yoga or swimming can help improve flexibility and relieve pain. Dietarily, increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin B, such as whole grains and nuts, to promote nerve repair.
Treatment for trigeminal neuralgia requires a personalized approach based on the specific cause and symptoms, combining medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to comprehensively manage pain and improve quality of life.