TL;DR Quick answer
An injection around the rib nerves for chest wall and rib pain. It is commonly used for post-herpetic neuralgia. The procedure takes about 10–20 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Intercostal Nerve Block
The intercostal nerves run beneath each rib. Blocking them can relieve chest wall pain after rib injury or surgery and nerve pain after shingles on the chest.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10–20 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | Ultrasound |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Post-Herpetic Neuralgia |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
Under ultrasound guidance, local anaesthetic, sometimes with steroid, is injected beneath the relevant ribs.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Bruising and, rarely, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), infection or bleeding. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Herpetic Neuralgia | Burning nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has healed. | Burning or stabbing pain where the rash was; pain from light touch or clothing |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.