The pain, pathogenesis, and treatment of costochondritis and intercostal neuralgia are significantly different. Both costochondritis and intercostal neuralgia cause significant pain in the intercostal area. Chondromalacia pain is relatively dull, manifested as persistent swelling, dull pain or throbbing pain, the pain is more limited, localized swelling and pressure pain is obvious. Costochondritis is a non-specific inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum. The exact cause of the disease is unknown and may be related to strenuous and frequent exercise. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics are usually prescribed for costochondritis. In intercostal neuralgia, the pain is sharp and manifests as tearing, pinprick, or knife-like pain. The pain is distributed along the intercostal nerve and distributed from back to front along the intercostal space. Intercostal neuralgia is mostly caused by viral invasion, such as herpes zoster virus. Intercostal neuralgia is usually treated with neuropathic painkillers. Patients who experience discomfort should seek early medical attention and receive regular treatment under the guidance of a physician.