Itching back? Think of notalgia paraesthetica, a rare conditionwhich can easily be treated

Zbigniew Zylicz

Vol 9, No 1 (2010)

Case reports

Published online: 2010-04-23

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Itching back? Think of notalgia paraesthetica, a rare conditionwhich can easily be treated

Zbigniew Zylicz

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2010;9(1):13-15.

Vol 9, No 1 (2010)

Case reports

Published online: 2010-04-23

Abstract

Notalgia paraesthetica is a rare condition characterized by pain and itching in a limited area of the back, usually at the level between T2 and T6. It is caused by the impingement of the dorsal rami on the corresponding intercostal nerves. These rami pierce the paraspinous muscles which can be in spasm responding to pain originating in the vertebrae. The treatment should be directed to mobilization of the vertebrae and decreasing the muscle spasm. When these simple techniques are insufficient, the nerve has probably degenerated and the condition is irreversible. The patient thus should be treated as for painful neuropathy.
Adv. Pall. Med. 2010; 9, 1: 13–16