Manhattan Experts with Intercostal Nerve Blocks, performed by Matthew Spiegel, MD
Overview:
The intercostal nerves are a group of nerves in between the ribs in the chest and supply sensation to the chest wall. Intercostal nerve pain, also known as intercostal neuralgia, can occur when the intercostal nerves become irritated, compressed, or damaged, oftentimes due to shingles, post-herpetic neuralgia, or rib fractures. This can result in a burning or sharp shooting sensation in the chest or along the rib cage, particularly made worse with deep breathing and coughing. Nerve blocks are used to alleviate discomfort caused by intercostal neuralgia. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid near the affected intercostal nerve(s) using a thin needle that is inserted through the skin and tissue to reach the nerve of interest.