Intercostal Nerve Block
Your intercostal nerves run between each rib, carrying sensory signals from your chest and upper abdomen to your brain. When these nerves become irritated or inflamed due to conditions like shingles, rib fractures, or post-surgical pain, they can send persistent pain signals, resulting in chronic upper body pain.
If you’re struggling with upper body pain, an intercostal nerve block could help you find relief.
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What is an intercostal nerve block?
An intercostal nerve block is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication near the affected intercostal nerve.
The anesthetic numbs the nerve, temporarily blocking pain signals, while the steroid reduces inflammation for longer-lasting relief.
What does an intercostal nerve block treat?
An intercostal nerve block can be beneficial for managing pain caused by various conditions, including:
- Shingles-related pain (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Chronic chest wall pain
- Pain after chest or upper abdominal surgery
- Rib fractures
What happens during an intercostal nerve block?
You will be brought into the procedure room where you will lie comfortably on your back on a special table. Your skin will be cleaned at the injection site and a local anesthetic will be applied to minimize any discomfort.
Your physician will use a special kind of x-ray (called a fluoroscope) to precisely guide the needle to the appropriate site. A special medication is injected around the nerve. The medication bathes the nerves, relieving pain. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes.
The pain relief may be immediate or take a few days to reach full effect. The duration of relief varies depending on the individual and the underlying cause of pain.
Intercostal nerve blocks at Twin Cities Pain Clinic
Our team of pain management experts specialize in administering intercostal nerve blocks to relieve chronic pain of the upper abdomen and chest. Procedures are performed comfortably and safely at our very own, state-of-the-art outpatient surgery centers.
Schedule an appointment with Twin Cities Pain Clinic to discuss if an intercostal nerve block can help with your pain.
RELIEVE YOUR PAIN, RENEW YOUR LIFE!
