Chest and Upper Back Pain Relief
An intercostal nerve block is a medical treatment used to help reduce pain in the chest or upper back caused by certain conditions, such as rib fractures or shingles. This treatment involves injecting a special medication called a local anesthetic into the nerves located between your ribs called the intercostal nerves.
The Procedure
To perform the injection, a doctor will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. They will then insert a small needle through your skin and guide it to the intercostal nerves using X-ray guidance.
Once the needle is in place, the local anesthetic is injected. The medication works by blocking the intercostal nerves from sending pain signals to your brain.
The injection typically only takes a few minutes to complete and you can usually go home the same day. You may need to rest for a short period of time after the injection and avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
It’s important to note that this treatment should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional and after careful consideration of your individual health needs.