05Where does it hurt?
Chest & Ribs
Step 1
Common symptoms
- Sharp pain along a rib or the breastbone
- Pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
- Pain following rib fractures, chest surgery or shingles
- Burning pain in a band around the chest
Step 2
Conditions we treat
The condition pages that cover pain in this area.
Step 3
How we evaluate
Your visit starts with a comprehensive evaluation: your history, a focused musculoskeletal and neurologic examination, and a review of any imaging or diagnostic studies you already have. When it helps to pinpoint the source of pain, we use diagnostic nerve blocks or ultrasound-guided assessment before recommending treatment.
Once cardiac and lung causes have been excluded, chest wall pain is evaluated for rib, intercostal nerve and post-surgical sources.
Step 4
Treatment options
Treatments linked from those condition pages, from conservative care to advanced procedures.
Intercostal Nerve BlocksIntercostal nerves travel beneath each rib and carry sensation from the chest and abdominal wall.
Erector Spinae Plane (ESP) BlockThe erector spinae plane block is an ultrasound-guided fascial plane block used to treat pain involving the chest wall, ribs, thorax, and selected postoperative conditions.
Serratus Anterior & Other Fascial Plane BlocksFascial plane blocks place local anesthetic within tissue planes where sensory nerves travel.
Trigger Point & Myofascial InjectionsTrigger points are focal areas of tight, painful muscle that can produce local discomfort or referred pain.
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve BlocksPeripheral nerve blocks place medication around a specific nerve outside the spine.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)Peripheral nerve stimulation delivers electrical stimulation directly to a selected peripheral nerve or nerve region.
Inpatient Pain Consultation & Acute Pain ManagementHospitalized patients may have severe pain after surgery, trauma, fractures, acute illness, or worsening of a chronic pain condition.
Regional Anesthesia for Acute & Postoperative PainRegional anesthesia uses targeted nerve or fascial plane blocks to reduce pain in a specific part of the body.Request an Evaluation
Questions? Call 855-932-7426
A member of our team will answer all your questions and help you find relief.