An intercostal nerve block is useful in managing pain to the chest wall and the upper abdominal wall. Patients that suffer from rib fractures, shingles, cancer pain or those that had had chest surgery and experience pain after the surgery may be a candidate for this type of injection. The needle is advanced in between the ribs to the affected nerve and a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected. The patient may receive varying degrees of relief following this procedure. If the patient does receive relief following the injection, then a cryotherapy procedure can be performed to provide more permanent relief. This procedure can be discussed in detail with the doctor to determine if the patient is a candidate for cryotherapy.