What are nerve blocks?
Nerve blocks are injections of numbing agents (local anesthetics) near nerves to relieve pain caused by pinched or damaged nerves. They may also be used as diagnostic tools to localize the nerve or nerves that are carrying pain signals. The Pain Management Specialists team uses nerve blocks to treat nerve pain in many parts of the body, including your:
- Neck
- Back of the head
- Upper back
- Lower back
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Wrist (carpal tunnel)
- Leg
Nerve blocks are often used to treat pain that may result from nerve damage during surgery.
Why might I need nerve blocks?
You might need nerve blocks if you have a condition such as:
- Sciatica
- Facet syndrome
- Occipital neuralgia
- Arm pain
- Leg pain
- Stump pain after amputation
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nerve entrapment
- Nerve damage
- Radiculopathy
These conditions are generally treatable using conservative methods such as physical therapies, chiropractic, and medication. However, if your pain isn't improving, nerve blocks may be an important part of treatment.
Conditions like nerve injury that are incurable and steadily worsen over time often reach a stage where interventions like cortisone injections are the only way to manage the pain.
What happens when I have a nerve block?
The Pain Management Specialists team has considerable experience in performing a range of nerve blocks, so you're in good hands. First, they clean the skin around the injection site, and then numb the skin with a thin needle and local anesthetic.
It’s important to ensure the needle gets close to the exact nerve where it can do the most good. The team uses either fluoroscopy or ultrasound technology to provide images of the inside of your body and guide the needle.
Once the needle is in the right place, your provider delivers local anesthetic, often mixed with a steroid to extend the duration of pain relief.
When will I feel the benefit of my nerve block?
Typically relief from a nerve block will be experienced within 5-10 minutes. Along with pain relief, you may experience an area of numbness or weakness, depending on the location of the nerve block. Some patients experience relief that lasts for months.
Are nerve blocks safe?
Nerve blocks are generally safe when performed by experienced doctors. Short term side effects may include numbness and weakness, while allergies and severe reactions to the injected medications are rare. However, in the expert hands of your Pain Management Specialists provider, cortisone injections are both effective and safe.
Generally, nerve blocks may be repeated as needed, but practically speaking, one would expect at least a few weeks of relief to justify repeating nerve blocks. If relief does not last that long, it may be worth considering neuromodulation or surgery, if your condition is amenable to these.
To find out more about nerve blocks and how they can relieve your pain, call Pain Management Specialists today or book an appointment online.
