An intercostal nerve block is an injection used to help treat the pain stemming from the mid back and radiating forward across the sides of your ribs and toward your chest. Intercostal nerve blocks work well for intercostal neuralgia. These nerves supply pain sensation to muscles and skin around the ribs and vertebrae.
For this block, medicine is injected close to the intercostal nerves that run between the ribs. It is frequently used in single or combined with other therapies to alleviate discomfort in the upper abdomen and chest wall.
How is an intercostal nerve block done?
If your doctor recommends an intercostal nerve block, we will have you come to our office and lie-down at our exam table. Numbing medicine will be injected into the skin and then a needle will be placed around the intercostal nerve to insert more medication, usually a steroid and longer-lasting local anesthetic.
Our doctors are trained to use fluoroscopy and ultrasound to identify the exact nerves and targets of the medication.
What happens after an intercostal nerve block injection?
After your injection, we monitor you briefly to ensure you are not having any uncomfortable reactions. The medications take effect within the hour, and so patients’ symptoms can resolve quickly with this injection.
Do intercostal nerve blocks work?
Intercostal nerve blocks are successful at providing temporary pain relief. However, the duration of pain relief can vary from person to person. Working together with your doctor, you can discuss options for how to make these injections last longer or combine them with other treatment modalities for pain relief.
What are the risks or possible complications of an intercostal nerve block?
This injection could produce soreness for a couple of days. Complications also include:
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Nerve damage
Which Conditions are Treated with Intercostal Nerve Blocks?
Intercostal nerve blocks work well for a variety of pain sources:
- Rib fractures
- Prior Trauma
- Prior Surgeries
- Inflamed intercostal nerves
Where we can get Intercostal Nerve Blocks Treatment in Kansas City
If you are searching for Intercostal nerve blocks in Kansas City – Reach out to Kansas Pain Management, our team understands how pain can affect your life. Our team of doctors shows their commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in pain management. Patients can rely on our group of professionals to manage pain with compassion and efficiency.
We at Kansas Pain Management have a team of nationally recognized and award-winning Pain Physicians in Kansas City. We look forward to serving you. For a one-on-one consultation, call our office or send us an email to book an appointment. We wish you a great journey toward a brighter, pain-free tomorrow.