Hello everyone! I have had CRPS for over 4 years now. Recently I developed intercostal neuralgia. I have tried two courses of oral steroids but the intercostal neuralgia keeps coming back :-( My doctor is suggesting intercostal nerve blocks. Due to CRPS I really try to avoid all needle sticks but I am becoming desperate! Has anyone else suffered from intercostal neuralgia? What treatments did you try? Did anything relieve the condition? Thank you all so much! I hope everyone is having a low pain day!

Maybe ask your doctor if there perhaps are alternatives to nerve blocks. Like regular medications of some sort.

Good luck!

I have CRPS for 20 years going on 21 now.

Thank you! I am sorry to hear you have been suffering for so long :-( I too developed CRPS from a car accident :-( Praying for a cure!

I think for me, if there would be one, a cure would come too late. Whatever damage within the limbs it caused, is done, and that can't be reversed, no matter what. I'm afraid you have to be realistic where that is concerned.

You might have more luck, because you've "only" had it 4 years, but... IDK. I'm not very optimistic.

Yeah, I'm very sorry. I'm not very optimistic, am I?

I totally understand----I can't imagine suffering with this for as long as you have

Yeah, since the age of 23, and I'll be 44 in a few days. Come September 21st will be 21 years since my accident that led to CRPS.

Hi Wonderwoman,

I am sorry to hear of your added neuralgia. I know from experience outside of CRPS how miserable that can be. Is there any type of PT or Mackenzie type exercises that can help calm the area or open up any space? I am wondering if there was a strain or mechanical cause that set this off that could be treated. Even Simple things like a strained back muscle can aggravate nerves.

I pulled my back this Spring and had such bad nerve symptoms result from it that I was almost convinced I would need some kind of injection. However, I was able to get it settled (and the buzzing subsequently resolved) with the help of a massage therapist I trust and some Active Release Therapy from my chiropractor. They both work on me gently. Just a thought.

If you do end up deciding to do an injection they can pre-numb the area with a small needle injection of lidocaine in the skin. They can also use ethyl chloride spray. There are options to increase your comfort if you go ahead. I made the difficult decision to have a series of injections right in my CRPS foot to treat a swollen nerve and reduce scar tissue. For me it was the right thing and although I flared a bit initially I did get relief and sustained improvement. Though needle sticks are never fun and caution is always wise, there are instances where the treatment they can provide can be helpful.

Also I saw you posted a question about neurology in Michigan. I don't know where you are but we had one poster go to U of M and they had a positive experience. Overall I have heard good things about multiple disciplines there.

I hope you find relief soon,

So sorry Marleen :-( Wish I could say something to make you smile. Way too long to have such suffering :-( I pray you are having a low pain day. Happy (early) Birthday!