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Intercostal neuralgia (rib nerve pain)

Also called: Intercostal neuralgia, rib nerve pain

Burning or sharp pain along the ribs from an irritated nerve, often after shingles or surgery.

CheckRule out heart and lungs

Overview

Pain wraps around the chest along a rib and may feel burning or stabbing.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Pain along the ribs

Less common

  • Numbness
  • Burning feeling

When to get medical care

Call 911Chest pain with shortness of breath.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonSymptoms that last or keep coming back.

Causes

Nerve irritation.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Shingles

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Exam:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

  • Heat
  • Gentle movement
  • Use heat

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Shingles vaccine

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a neurologist (brain and nerve doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • After chest surgery: More common.
  • Adults after chest surgery: Higher risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Usually improves with treatment.

Most improve with time and treatment.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • What's causing this?
  • What treatment do you recommend?
  • Would a nerve block help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Intercostal neuralgia (rib nerve pain)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.