Intercostal Nerve Block

Intercostal Nerve Blocks work to decrease pain felt between the ribs for surgical procedures, rib fractures, and upper abdominal procedures. Each set of ribs have an artery, vein, and nerve running underneath the ribs. Each intercostal block works to relieve pain in a band-like section, and can help decrease dependence on opioids and other pain medications. The intercostal nerves also innervate your diaphragm muscles, which control your breathing and ability for your lungs to expand appropriately.

We perform intercostal block with either ultrasound guidance or x-ray (fluoroscopy) to minimize the chance of intravascular injection and pneumothorax and to increase the reliability of dermatomal coverage. The injection can be made closer to the vertebral column (and more proximal in the course of the nerve) with ultrasound guidance because palpation of the rib is less important than with an anatomic landmark approach. The patient will likely be awake for the procedure, as it is not very invasive, and will be provided a local anesthetic to ease pain from the injection.

What conditions can this treat?

Post-herpetic neuralgia (Shingles)
Postoperative chest pain or abdominal pain
Chronic post-mastectomy pain
Pain after fractured ribs
Cancer pain from metastasis to the ribs

Book an appointment here to learn more or call us at 913-339-9437 to schedule now.

Location We Serve

Kansas Pain Management is a leading interventional pain management services provider in various locations across Kansas, including Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Kansas City, and Ottawa. So, if you are looking for a reliable pain management service provider in any of these locations, Contact us Today!

Insurance We Accept

     Good  
     Based on 106 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Toni Seyhun 
 May 15, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started seeing Dr Kneeman a few months ago. He is kind and listens to you. I've had the best experience with him. Just had a spinal injection and he made sure I was not uncomfortable.  He is the best!
  
 
       
   Deborah Spindler 
 February 14, 2023
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
       
   Ally Ludlum 
 December 9, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Kneeman took over my care about a year ago, though I have been under KPA's care for about 6 years now.

I started with Dr. Gupta.  I had been unable to work due to Occipital Neuralgia (diagnosed just before I came to Dr. Gupta), and Dr. Gupta got me back to work in about 3 years, which was an amazing feat!

With my treatment plan in place, and Dr. Gupta spending less time at the pain clinic in Ottawa, I started seeing others in his practice.  They were great doctors!  But I never felt the same level of engagement with them as I had felt with Dr. Gupta.

Then I found Dr. Kneeman!!

I am always a nervous wreck when I see someone new, but Dr. Kneeman is awesome!  Calm as a cucumber while still being very engaged!  He's very thorough and very practiced with the tools of his trade!

When we decided it was time to renew my RFA (radiofrequency ablation) and we went to do the nerve-block tests, Dr. Kneeman prevented me from experiencing potentially terrifying side-effects!

There had been a miscommunication from the last time I had nerve block done (not with KPM) and I was not supposed to be taking OTC aspirin for a week prior to the blocks!  (Which I had been as I had no idea!)

Dr. Kneeman is the one who discovered this, through the nurse asking him about Ibuprofen that I had taken earlier the day before so he came in to talk to me.

We could not do the nerve block that day, but I was, and am, incredibly grateful that he caught the issue before it could become a terrifying experience!

Yesterday I had my RFA with him, and he was just as awesome as ever!  It helped that I knew I was in amazingly competent hands, so it seemed like no time at all I was back at home, feeling better already!

TlDr:  I started with Dr. Gupta (who remains awesome), but I am also ecstatically happy that I am now Dr. Kneeman's patient.  Both doctors are absolutely incredible and I am so, so grateful to and for them.
  
 
       
   Amanda Concannon 
 December 6, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Doctors and nursing staff are so wonderful here. They listen to you and work diligently to make you more comfortable.  I have lived with an enormous amount of pain for too long. Washing dishes,  cooking, getting into my bed and sleeping ,and several minor activities are so painful for me. The doctors here have worked with me and have given me treatment that has made an enormous difference in my life. I recommend them 100% over any other place you could go.
  
 
       
   Tom Davidson 
 September 23, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been going to see Dr. GUPTA for several years. He interested me in using a Nevro Device for the pain in my legs & back. Many years ago I had back surgery & over the years the pain had gotten almost unbearable.  The device was a godsend.  The follow ups by Nevro people were great & helpful. The staff are very helpful and friendly.
  
 
       
   Opal Watson 
 September 23, 2022
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good experience every time..staff is great...Dr Gupta is the best...have experiences with him over several years....