Let's learn about the special injection (Intercostal Nerve Block) given for severe pain between the ribs?

Sometimes you may experience severe pain in the side of your chest or in your rib cage. This pain can feel like a knife stabbing you, making it difficult to breathe. Sometimes this type of pain occurs after a broken rib or after chest surgery. Today we are talking about a special treatment for this type of pain, which is an injection given directly to the area where the pain is.

What is Intercostal Nerve Block?

Simply put, this is an injection that is given near a nerve located under one of your ribs. Did you know that there is a nerve running under each rib in our chest? We call these 'Intercostal Nerves'. If for some reason this nerve or the tissues around it become compressed, damaged, or swollen, it can cause severe pain.

So what this injection does is temporarily 'block' the nerve that causes the pain. This injection mainly contains two types of medication:

• Local Anesthetic: This numbs the area immediately after the injection, quickly reducing pain.
• Steroid: This reduces swelling and inflammation around the nerve. It takes two to three days to take effect, but it provides long-term relief.

In what situations is this vaccine used?

This treatment method is used for several main purposes. Sometimes it helps to reduce pain, and other times it helps to find the cause of the pain.

How should I prepare to receive this vaccine?

This usually doesn't require much preparation. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.

The most important thing is that if you are taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, you should definitely tell your doctor about it. Because these medications can increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site. But remember, never stop taking them unless your doctor tells you to.

Sometimes you will be given sedation to make you sleepy. If this is done, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6-8 hours before the procedure. You will also need to bring someone to drive you home, as you will not be able to drive.

How is this Intercostal Nerve Block done?

The way this treatment is done is very simple. It usually goes something like this:

• First, you will be made to lie on a bed, either on your side, which is not painful, or on your stomach.
• To relax you, you may be given a mild sedative through an IV line in your arm.
• Then, the injection site is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• Next, a small injection of local anesthetic is given to numb the area where the nerve block will be performed. At this point, you may feel a slight stinging sensation as the needle goes in.
• To find the exact location of the nerve, the doctor may use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy . This allows the doctor to see exactly where to insert the needle.
• Once the right spot is found, the pain-relieving medication is injected as close to the nerve as possible.
• After the injection, you will be asked to rest for a while until the medicine takes effect.

After the injection, you will be observed for about 15-30 minutes to see if there are any side effects. If everything is fine, you can go home.

How effective is this treatment? And how long does it take for the pain to go away?

For many people, this provides good temporary pain relief, but how long that relief lasts varies from person to person.

The anesthetic that is given immediately after the injection will reduce the pain. However, after a few hours, the anesthetic will wear off and the pain may return. Don't worry, this is normal. Long-term relief will come after the steroid starts working in two to three days.

Some people may be pain-free for several months . If the treatment is successful, you may be able to get the shot again from time to time as needed to control the pain. However, some people may not have any effect from the shot. If that happens, your doctor will tell you about other treatments.

What are the risks and complications of this?

This is generally a very safe treatment. There may be some bruising and soreness where the injection was given, but this will go away in two to three days.

However, there are some serious complications that are very rare but worth knowing about.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Collapsed lung: This is a very rare occurrence. It can happen if the needle hits the lung.
• Nerve damage

These risks are very low, especially when performed by an experienced doctor using technologies like ultrasound.

What time should I see a doctor?

If you develop any new symptoms or complications after receiving this vaccine, call your doctor right away . Be especially aware of these symptoms:

• Signs of an infection: fever, redness, swelling, severe pain, or pus at the injection site.
• Nerve-related problems: New symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the limbs.
• Difficulty breathing: This could be a sign of a lung problem.

If you feel anything like this, do not delay and seek medical advice immediately.