Intercostal Neuralgia

The main mechanisms triggering intercostal neuralgia in office workers are as follows: ① Forward flexion posture: As thoracic kyphosis worsens, the space between the ribs narrows and the intercostal muscles shorten, continuously compressing the nerve. ② Changes in breathing patterns: If shallow thoracic breathing becomes a habit while working at a desk, the intercostal muscles become stiff. ③ Sudden changes in posture: When stiffened chest wall muscles are suddenly stretched, they irritate the nerve. ④ Stress: Persistent tension in the chest muscles is caused by sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic In Korean medicine, chronic chest pain in office workers follows a typical pattern where stress blocks the liver's dispersing function, causing Qi and blood to stagnate along the flank meridian lines. Accumulated mental stress blocks the liver's dispersing function, while maintaining a bent posture for extended periods physically obstructs the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians passing through the flanks. When these two factors overlap, chest pain easily becomes chronic. At Dongjedang, we recommend making it a habit to stretch for 5 minutes, perform chest stretches, and engage in deep breathing every hour during treatment. We also employ an approach that lowers the stress response itself by adjusting prescriptions that help resolve liver stagnation according to the patient's constitution.