An intercostal nerve block is highly specialized procedure used to treat pain in the chest and upper abdomen. By targeting the small intercostal nerves that travel under each the ribs, a variety of pain syndromes can be effectively treated without medication.
The procedure involves placing a small amount of local anesthetic, cortisone, dehydrated alcohol, or any other number or specialized medications in the space between the ribs – thus blocking the pain signals in the region and decreasing any local inflammation.