Intercostal neuralgia is a paroxysmal or persistent pain in one or several intercostal innervated areas, most intercostal neuralgia is secondary, primary intercostal neuralgia is extremely rare, and the cause is unknown. Intercostal neuralgia refers to pain in the area innervated by the intercostal nerves, the pain is distributed along one or several intercostal spaces, it is a persistent stabbing pain, usually aggravated when taking a deep breath or coughing, and it has the characteristic of radiating along the intercostal nerves, which is usually caused by herpes zoster, degeneration of the thoracic spine, trauma to the ribs, tuberculosis, and tumors. Primary intercostal neuralgia has no clear etiology and is relatively rare, it can be treated by oral pain medication, ineffective medication and severe pain can be considered for surgical treatment. Patients with intercostal neuralgia should go to the hospital in time and be treated accordingly under the guidance of the doctor.