After Intercostal Nerve Block
You had an intercostal nerve block. Your health care provider injected a small amount of anesthetic (numbing medicine) in the area between two ribs (the intercostal space). Sometimes your provider injects a small amount of steroid too. As you recover, follow the instructions below.
Activity
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Do not drive or operate heavy equipment. You will need someone else to drive you home.
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Take it easy the rest of the day. Avoid lifting heavy objects, pullling and pushing activities.
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You may return to normal activity tomorrow.
Home Care
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It is normal to have numbness in your chest or abdominal area. This can last up to 6 hours after the procedure.
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It is normal to have pain or tenderness at the injection site. You can use ice today to help ease the discomfort. If the pain continues tomorrow, you can use ice or moist heat to relieve the pain. Follow these instructions:
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Apply ice or moist heat to the injection site for 20 minutes
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Remove the ice or moist heat for 20 minutes
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Repeat this process as needed
When to call your health care provider
Call your health care provider if if you have signs of an infection:
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Fever above 100.4°F (38.0°C)
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Chills
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Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site
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Drainage from the injection site
When to call 911
Call 911 immediately if you have: