Intercostal Nerve Block

An intercostal nerve block is a minimally invasive injection procedure used to relieve pain in the chest, ribs, or upper abdomen. The intercostal nerves run along each rib and carry pain signals from the chest wall. This treatment involves injecting a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (steroid) near these nerves to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. Intercostal nerve blocks can provide both pain relief and diagnostic insight, helping determine the exact source of pain.

What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?

Intercostal nerve blocks are commonly used to treat:

Rib fracture pain
Post-surgical chest pain
Intercostal neuralgia (nerve pain along ribs)
Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia
Upper abdominal pain related to nerve irritation

How Does an Intercostal Nerve Block Work?

Pain occurs when intercostal nerves become inflamed or irritated.

The injection delivers medication near the affected nerve
The local anesthetic provides immediate short-term relief
The steroid reduces inflammation over time
This helps block pain signals traveling to the brain

Nerve blocks can also help identify whether pain is nerve-related, guiding further treatment.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Review of symptoms and medical history
Discussion of medications (especially blood thinners)

During the Procedure

Performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy
Patient lies on their side or stomach
A small needle is inserted under the rib
Medication is injected near the targeted nerve
Procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes

After the Procedure

Short observation period (15–30 minutes)
Most patients go home the same day
Mild soreness at injection site may occur

Benefits of Intercostal Nerve Block

✔ Provides targeted pain relief
✔ Minimally invasive, no surgery required
✔ Helps diagnose the source of pain
✔ Can improve breathing and mobility
✔ Reduces need for oral pain medications

These blocks are widely used for both acute and chronic pain management.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you:

Have chest, rib, or upper abdominal pain
Have nerve-related pain such as intercostal neuralgia
Have pain after surgery or injury
Have not improved with medications or conservative care

A specialist evaluation is important to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Risks & Side Effects

Intercostal nerve blocks are generally safe, but possible risks include:

Temporary soreness or bruising
Infection or bleeding (rare)
Nerve irritation
Collapsed lung (very rare but important risk)

Serious complications are uncommon when performed by experienced providers.

When Is This Treatment Recommended?

Intercostal nerve blocks are typically recommended when:

Conservative treatments have not provided relief
Pain is localized and nerve-related
Pain is affecting breathing or daily activities
A diagnostic procedure is needed to confirm pain source

👉 It is often used as a first-line interventional treatment before advanced procedures

Recovery & Results

Immediate relief may occur from the anesthetic
Longer-lasting relief begins within 2–3 days as steroid works
Pain relief may last weeks to several months
Repeat injections may be recommended if needed

Many patients experience improved comfort, breathing, and daily function.

FAQs

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients feel only mild discomfort. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area.

How long does the relief last?

Relief may last from weeks to months depending on the condition.

Is this a permanent solution?

No, but it can provide significant temporary relief and guide further treatment.

Can it be repeated?

Yes, if effective, the procedure can be repeated safely.

Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management

Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.

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

Some Of The Other Surgical Procedures We Provide:

FAQs

How does an Intercostal Nerve Block help with pain?

Each intercostal block relieves pain in a band-like area and helps reduce dependence on opioids and other pain medications.

Do intercostal nerves affect breathing?

Yes, intercostal nerves also innervate the diaphragm muscles, which control breathing and lung expansion.

What conditions can an Intercostal Nerve Block treat?

It can treat post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles), postoperative chest or abdominal pain, chronic post-mastectomy pain, pain after fractured ribs, and cancer pain from metastasis to the ribs.

Will the patient be awake during the procedure?

Yes, the patient is usually awake because the procedure is not very invasive.