Intercostal nerve blocks are designed to provide relief for pain in the upper body. An intercostal nerve block is simply an injection of medication under your rib to relieve the pain around your chest and abdomen. A healthcare professional injects it into the intercostal nerve that runs under your ribs. We’ll cover intercostal nerve blocks, the procedure, side effects, and the medications used.
What is an Intercostal Nerve Block?
An intercostal nerve block involves injecting medication into the intercostal nerve, which runs along the rib cage. The medications in these injections consist of steroids and a local anesthetic. This combination cuts off signals from these nerves to the brain in order to relieve pain. They are often used after surgery on the ribs or abdomen to numb the pain.
Intercostal Nerve Block Procedure
Understanding the procedure for an intercostal nerve block helps you prepare yourself better for the experience. The procedure for Intercostal Nerve Block is discussed below:
1. Preparation
Preparing for an intercostal nerve block is not complicated. Medical professionals will advise you to stop taking blood-thinning medications, like aspirin, before the procedure. This is to avoid excess blood loss in case of bleeding during the procedure. If you are going to be sedated during the procedure, you should not eat for 6-8 hours beforehand.
2. Procedure
The procedure begins with a healthcare provider cleaning and sterilizing the patient’s skin. The patient is then asked to lie on their side, exposing the area where the nerve block is to be injected. Then, a healthcare provider will carefully inject local anesthesia to numb the area where the nerve block is to be injected. When the patient is properly prepped, the next step is to inject the intercostal nerve block using imaging to guide the injection.
3. Post-Procedure
Your medical professional will advise you to rest for 24 hours after the procedure. If you have been sedated during the procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. After the local anesthesia wears off in about 12-18 hours, you will notice the effects of the steroids in about 48 hours. You may experience growing pain or discomfort during this window.
4. Follow-Up
Follow-up is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and address any issues promptly. During a follow-up, your doctor will review your results and make the necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. They might also recommend other medications or therapies to help you heal better.
Common Side Effects of Intercostal Nerve Blocks
While intercostal nerve block treatment can be highly effective in relieving pain, they do have some potential side effects. Understanding these side effects can help you prepare and know what to expect after the procedure. Here are some of the common side effects of intercostal nerve blocks:
1. Pain or Discomfort at the Injection Site
The most common side effect is feeling pain or discomfort at the site of injection. The pain is usually mild and will go away within a few days. The pain might increase in case of chest wall injuries or rib fractures. Contact healthcare professionals if you experience severe pain or discomfort at the injection site.
2. Bruising
Intercostal nerve blocks can cause bruising at the injection site. These bruises will heal over time and should not require any special treatment.
3. Temporary Numbness or Weakness
The local anesthesia used during the procedure can cause temporary numbness or weakness around the ribs. This should only last a few hours to a day after the anesthesia is injected. Local anesthesia can sometimes cause allergic reactions or breathing problems, but these incidents are very rare.
Medications Used for an Intercostal Nerve Block
The medications used in an intercostal nerve block are designed to significantly reduce pain. A combination of steroids and a local anesthetic is injected into the procedure. During the nerve block process, Triamcinolone is used as a corticosteroid or steroid drug. This drug has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce swelling and inflammation around the nerve causing the pain. It reduces inflammation, providing long-lasting pain relief while extending the duration of nerve block. Combined with a local anesthetic, this injection is designed to block pain signals in the intercostal nerve.
How Long Does an Intercostal Nerve Block Last?
The duration of an intercostal nerve block can depend on various factors, like the medications used or the individual’s response to the treatment. The anesthetics used in the intercostal nerve block can provide immediate relief, and the steroids extend the duration of pain relief.
Generally, patients experience pain relief lasting a few days to several months. If the symptoms return, patients may need a second injection or regularly scheduled injections. In the case of chronic pain, repeated treatment might be necessary for long-term relief.
Conclusion
Intercostal nerve blocks can relieve pain around a patient’s ribs and abdomen and enhance their quality of life. By understanding the procedure and potential side effects, patients can approach the treatment with greater clarity and confidence. Here at Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management, our experienced professionals will make the experience convenient and comfortable for you. If you’re looking for effective pain relief, do not hesitate to connect with us now!
