Treatments · Headache & nerve pain
Intercostal Nerve Block
An injection around the nerves that run beneath the ribs. It is used for chest wall pain, for example after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia), rib fractures or chest surgery.
What it is used for
SEVA Healthcare describes this treatment as best suited to: Chest wall pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, or post-thoracic surgery pain. (official page).
Related conditions on this site: Nerve & Neuropathic Pain.
How clinicians decide whether it may be appropriate
A pain specialist reviews your history, examines you and looks at any imaging before suggesting a procedure. Many treatments are offered only after simpler measures — such as physical therapy, medicines or activity changes — have been tried, and some (for example nerve ablation or stimulators) are preceded by a diagnostic test or trial to check that they are likely to help you.
Assessment and preparation
Your clinician will explain what the procedure involves, how long it takes and whether you need someone to drive you home. Tell the team about all medicines you take — especially blood thinners — allergies, and whether you could be pregnant. Image guidance (X-ray or ultrasound) is used for most injection procedures so that the medicine or device reaches the intended place.
Potential benefits, risks, limitations and alternatives
No treatment works for everyone, and relief can be partial or temporary. All procedures carry some risk — commonly soreness or bruising at the site, and less commonly infection, bleeding, nerve irritation or a reaction to medicines; implanted devices can also need adjustment or removal. Your clinician should explain the specific risks of this treatment for you, what a realistic result looks like, and the alternatives, including continuing with non-procedural care.
Questions you may want to discuss with your clinician
- Why is this treatment suggested for me, and what are the alternatives?
- How much relief is realistic, and how long might it last?
- What are the risks in my case, and what would make you not recommend it?
- Is there a trial or diagnostic step first? What happens if that does not help?
- What will it cost, and is it covered by my insurance?
- What can I do myself alongside the treatment?
Sources
- SEVA Healthcare — Headache & nerve pain treatments (official service page, checked October 16, 2026)
- SEVA Healthcare — Services overview
This page is general information written by our editors from the official SEVA Healthcare pages and standard patient-education sources. It has not yet been medically reviewed; see our medical review policy. It does not recommend a treatment for you.
