Intercostal Nerve Block in Scottsdale

Rib and chest pain can make everyday things like moving, breathing, and sleeping difficult. This pain often comes from the nerves between your ribs. At Comprehensive Pain Management in Scottsdale, we offer intercostal nerve blocks to help ease the pain. If you’ve been dealing with this pain for a long time, this simple treatment could help you feel better.

What are Intercostal Nerve Blocks?

Intercostal nerve blocks in Scottsdale target pain caused by the nerves between your ribs. These nerves may become inflamed or pinched after an injury or surgery. A doctor uses a small needle to inject numbing medicine near the nerve. The procedure can stop the pain signals, helping your body relax and heal.

Conditions Treated with Intercostal Nerve Blocks

Pain treatment centers in Scottsdale use this procedure for:

  • Rib fractures
  • Shingles pain
  • Pain from chest surgery
  • Post-breast surgery pain
  • Post-lung surgery pain
  • Upper belly pain
  • Chest wall injury pain

How are Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Scottsdale Done? What to Expect?

During your visit for an intercostal nerve block in Scottsdale, here’s what will happen:

  1. You will lie on your side.
  2. The doctor will find the painful spot between your ribs.
  3. Your skin will be cleaned.
  4. Sometimes, a small camera or ultrasound will be used to guide the needle.
  5. Your skin will be numbed.
  6. The needle will be placed under your rib, near the nerve.
  7. Numbing medicine and sometimes a steroid will be used to block the pain.

The whole procedure takes less than an hour. After a short rest, you can go home the same day.

Intercostal Nerve Block Benefits

Here are the benefits of this pain management method in Scottsdale:

  • Fast relief from chest or rib pain
  • Helps identify if the nerve is the cause of the pain
  • Reduces swelling and nerve pressure
  • May reduce the need for stronger pain medications
  • No surgery required
  • Effects can last from days to weeks or even longer

Intercostal Nerve Block Risks

  • Tenderness or bruising at the injection site
  • Small risk of bleeding or infection
  • Rare chance of lung injury if the needle goes too deep
  • Temporary numbness or tingling

Intercostal Nerve Block Recovery

  • Rest the day of your injection
  • Avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours
  • You can eat normally
  • Apply an ice pack if the area feels sore
  • Contact us if you feel dizzy or short of breath

Expert Intercostal Nerve Blocks in Scottsdale

Pain in your ribs or chest can make it hard to move, sleep, and breathe well. At Comprehensive Pain Management in Scottsdale, we offer intercostal nerve blocks to help ease your pain.

Our team is here to listen, explain, and provide the care you need. If your pain keeps coming back, this treatment may help you get better. 

Contact us today to schedule your intercostal nerve block appointment in Scottsdale. We’re ready to help.

FAQs

Doctors at Comprehensive Pain Management perform intercostal nerve blocks.

The procedure usually causes little pain, as the area is numbed first.

A doctor may use different types of corticosteroids, depending on your needs.

Billing is done through your insurance or private payment, depending on your plan.

It’s often very effective in reducing pain, and results can last from days to weeks.

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.