Intercostal Nerve Blocks for Chest and Rib Pain in Gilbert & Mesa, AZ

Overview of Treatment

An intercostal nerve block targets pain caused by irritation or inflammation in the nerves beneath your ribs. These nerves control the muscles around your ribs and send sensory signals to the brain. When they become inflamed or irritated, you can experience significant pain in the chest, ribs, or upper abdomen. Intercostal nerve blocks serve as both a pain management tool and a diagnostic procedure to identify the source of chest or rib pain.

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we offer intercostal nerve blocks as a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re searching for a pain doctor in Phoenix, a pain clinic in Scottsdale, or a pain specialist in Mesa, we provide comprehensive care to meet your needs.

Conditions Treated with Intercostal Nerve Blocks

Intercostal nerve blocks are effective for managing pain from conditions like:

• Herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia

• Pain after breast surgery

• Rib fractures

• Post-surgical pain following thoracic or upper abdominal surgery

• Pain from surgical incisions, like after thoracotomy or chest tube placement

• Other chronic chest or rib pain

These blocks are often used when other treatments fail or as part of a complete pain management plan. If you’re looking for an effective pain specialist in Gilbert, we offer treatments tailored to address your needs.

Benefits of Intercostal Nerve Blocks

Intercostal nerve blocks offer several advantages for those suffering from rib or chest pain:

• Effective Pain Relief: The injection reduces inflammation and numbs the nerves sending pain signals to the brain, offering long-term relief. For those in Scottsdale seeking relief, our pain clinic specializes in this treatment.

• Diagnostic Tool: These blocks help healthcare providers determine whether your pain is caused by nerve irritation or another underlying issue. This is especially useful for pain doctors in Mesa who need to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort.

• Minimally Invasive: The outpatient procedure requires no surgery, allowing for a short recovery. Our pain specialists in Phoenix offer this quick procedure to ensure fast recovery.

• Short Recovery Time: Most patients recover quickly, which makes this a popular option for those looking for minimal interruption in their daily lives. Our pain clinic in Gilbert ensures a smooth and efficient recovery process.

Procedure

Before the procedure, your doctor will review your medical history and medications to ensure the procedure is suitable. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, NSAIDs, or immunosuppressants temporarily to reduce the risk of complications.

During the procedure:

• You will lie on your side or stomach, with the side of pain facing down for easier access to the intercostal nerves.

• A mild sedative may be given through an IV to help you relax. If necessary, local anesthesia will numb the skin at the injection site.

• Using imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound, your pain doctor will guide the needle to the targeted nerve area. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm the location.

• For pain relief, a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected to reduce inflammation and offer longer-lasting relief.

• For diagnostic purposes, a local anesthetic or numbing agent will be injected to assess whether it provides pain relief, helping to identify the underlying cause.

The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes. In Scottsdale and Mesa, we offer this procedure at our local pain clinic for your convenience.

Recovery After Intercostal Nerve Blocks

After the procedure, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes to ensure there are no immediate complications. You can go home the same day, but you should avoid driving or strenuous activities. It’s recommended to have someone drive you home.

Post-procedure care: You may experience mild soreness or bruising at the injection site, but this should resolve within 48-72 hours. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can help alleviate any discomfort. Our pain specialists in Phoenix will provide clear instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Pain relief onset: Some patients feel relief immediately, while others may need a few days for the full effect. Diagnostic blocks usually provide relief on the same day, while therapeutic blocks may take up to a week to show results.

Long-term effects: Pain relief from an intercostal nerve block can last for weeks to months, depending on the cause of your pain. If the block is effective, your healthcare provider may recommend repeated injections as part of your treatment plan. Patients in Gilbert can collaborate with our pain clinic to adjust your plan as necessary.

Risks of Intercostal Nerve Blocks

While intercostal nerve blocks are generally safe, there are some risks to consider:

• Common risks: Infection, bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the injection site.

• Serious risks (rare): Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), nerve damage, or allergic reactions to the medications (local anesthetics or corticosteroids).

• Other considerations: For diabetic patients, the steroid injection may temporarily raise blood sugar levels.

Discussing these risks with your pain specialist before the procedure helps ensure you’re fully informed. Our team at The Pain Experts of Arizona is committed to making sure you understand every aspect of your care.

Why Choose The Pain Experts of Arizona?

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for those suffering from chronic pain. Led by Dr. Ahdev Kuppusamy, our experienced team offers cutting-edge treatments tailored to your individual needs. Whether you need a pain doctor in Mesa, Scottsdale, or Gilbert, our pain clinic provides effective intercostal nerve blocks designed to help you regain your quality of life.

If you suffer from persistent rib or chest pain, intercostal nerve blocks could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Let us help you return to a pain-free lifestyle.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with rib or chest pain and want to explore intercostal nerve blocks as a treatment option, contact The Pain Experts of Arizona at 480-573-8725. Our compassionate team is here to help you find the relief you deserve. Call today to schedule your consultation at our pain clinic in Gilbert or Scottsdale.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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