Nerve Blocks Q & A
What is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is an injection therapy that delivers medications to one or a group of nerves to ease or eliminate pain.
The medications used in the treatment include a local anesthetic to disrupt the pain signals that travel to your brain. You can also receive anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation that could be contributing to your pain.
What Conditions Can Nerve Blocks Treat?
The medical staff at Comprehensive Pain Center can recommend the type of nerve block you need based on the severity and cause of your pain.
Nerve blocks can address chronic pain resulting from injuries or underlying disease that affect your:
- Face
- Arms
- Neck
- Back
- Legs
- Buttocks
To determine if you’re a good candidate for a nerve block, your Comprehensive Pain Center specialist reviews your medical history and your condition. They could suggest a nerve block when other treatments, including medications and physical therapy, aren’t effectively relieving your pain.
What Can I Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure?
The medical team at Comprehensive Pain Center perform in-office nerve blocks on an outpatient basis. To keep you comfortable, your provider can give you a mild sedative before the injection.
To ensure the injection goes in the right place, your doctor uses fluoroscopy, an X-ray technology that provides real-time images of your inner structures.
Following your injection, you remain in recovery for a period of time to allow the medication to take effect. You’ll need a ride home if you were sedated for the procedure.
Side effects of nerve blocks are minimal, with some risks involving injection site infections, bleeding, and/or soreness.
How Long Do the Effects of a Nerve Block Last?
Everyone responds to nerve block treatments differently. In some cases, you can expect to achieve pain relief that lasts several weeks.
To help you maintain your pain-free results, your Comprehensive Pain Center doctor will recommend additional nerve blocks along with other therapies, including medication and/or physical therapy.
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive solution to treating chronic pain, schedule a consultation at Comprehensive Pain Center to find out more about the benefits of nerve blocks.