Nerve Blocks

What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are medications your provider can inject to relieve pain or deliver complete loss of sensation. Many nerve blocks contain an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. While the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, the corticosteroid reduces inflammation around the dysfunctional nerve. Once the inflammation subsides, the nerve can heal.

Why might I need nerve blocks?

Your provider at Pain Management 360 may recommend a nerve block if you experience chronic pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy and other non-invasive interventions. Common indications for nerve blocks include:

• Arthritis
• Lower back pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Migraines
• Occipital neuralgia
• Cancer pain
• Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)

After a careful examination, your doctor at Pain Management 360 can determine whether a nerve block is right for you.

What are the different types of nerve blocks?

There are many types of nerve blocks, but the three most common are:

Epidural nerve block

An epidural nerve block targets the space outside of your spinal cord to relieve back, neck, or leg pain.

Spinal anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia involves injecting medication into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord before surgery.

Peripheral nerve block

A peripheral nerve block can relieve pain from a specific nerve. Your provider may perform this injection if they know which nerve is causing you pain.

During your exam, your provider can recommend the appropriate nerve block for your pain.

What can I expect from nerve blocks?

Your provider at Pain Management 360 typically performs nerve blocks with fluoroscopic guidance. A fluoroscopy uses real-time X-ray images to guide the needle into the exact area of pain to provide targeted relief from nerve damage.

Before the procedure, your provider may administer a sedative to keep you comfortable. They also inject a local anesthetic to relieve pain. The nerve block injection takes only 10 minutes to perform and about 30 minutes to take effect.

What happens after nerve blocks?

Many patients experience fast pain relief after a nerve block due to the anesthetic. Over the next few days, you can expect mild pain, swelling, and soreness at the injection site as the anesthetic wears off. The corticosteroid may begin to take effect within days, improving your mobility and range of motion.

How long do nerve blocks last?

Pain relief from a nerve block varies. Some patients experience relief for a few days before their pain returns, while others enjoy several weeks of comfort. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may help improve your outcome and accelerate nerve healing to deliver long-lasting pain relief.

Call Pain Management 360 today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about nerve blocks.