Intercostal Nerve Blocks and Neurolysis

Intercostal Nerve Blocks and Intercostal Neurolysis at Red Butte Pain Solutions

What are Intercostal Nerve Blocks and Intercostal Neurolysis?

An intercostal nerve block is an injection of medication under your rib that helps relieve pain in your chest area or upper abdomen. Your intercostal nerves are located under each of your ribs. When one of these nerves or the tissue around it gets irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain.

Intercostal neurolysis is a procedure that uses chemicals or other agents to intentionally damage nerves and disrupt pain signals. This procedure is often used to manage chronic pain conditions and cancer pain.

Indications for the Procedure

Intercostal nerve blocks and intercostal neurolysis have a few different uses. These procedures may help with pain related to:

• Rib fractures
• Shingles or postherpetic neuralgia
• Chest and upper abdominal surgeries

Benefits of the Procedure

Intercostal nerve blocks and intercostal neurolysis can provide targeted and effective pain relief for conditions affecting the chest wall. By directly blocking the intercostal nerves, these procedures can reduce inflammation and allow your nerves to heal. This can lead to improved respiratory function, facilitating better breathing and coughing, and reducing complications.

Ultrasound Guidance: Benefits and Safety

Performing intercostal nerve blocks and intercostal neurolysis with ultrasound guidance carries several benefits. Ultrasound allows for better visualization of vascular structures and real-time visualization of the pleura. This can enhance the safety and effectiveness of the procedure by reducing the risk of complications such as pneumothorax (a punctured lung). Moreover, ultrasound guidance avoids the need for contrast or radiation exposure.

Serving Communities Across Arizona

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we’re committed to providing top-notch pain management solutions to communities across Arizona. If you’re experiencing rib pain and seeking treatment in Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Sun Lakes, Maricopa, Casa Grande, Phoenix, Laveen, Mesa, or Gilbert, Arizona, our team of experts is ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about how intercostal nerve blocks and intercostal neurolysis can help manage your pain.