A block of the nerves running along the underside of the ribs.
What it is
Each intercostal nerve runs in a groove beneath its rib. Blocking it relieves pain in the corresponding band of chest or abdominal wall.
What we use it for
- Rib fractures and chest wall injury after a collision
- Post-herpetic neuralgia in a chest wall distribution
- Chest wall pain that has not settled
- Post-surgical chest wall pain
What to expect
- Ultrasound-guided, about 15 minutes.
- Relief is often immediate.
- Breathing usually becomes easier straight away where rib pain was limiting it.
Risks
Every procedure carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction, or a temporary increase in pain. Steroid can raise blood sugar for several days, which matters if you are diabetic. Serious complications are rare, and the specific risks for your procedure and your health will be discussed before you consent to anything.
Call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.
Common questions
Is it safe with rib fractures?
It is one of the more useful treatments for them, because pain that prevents deep breathing is what leads to chest infections.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Same-day appointments are often available for new accident and injury patients.