Understanding Nerve Block
Nerve block treatment is a common method used to manage and control pain. It works by stopping pain signals from traveling through the nerves to the brain. When these signals are blocked, the patient experiences less pain or in some cases, no pain at all. This treatment is performed by injecting a special painkiller medicine (sometimes along with a steroid) near the specific nerve or group of nerves that causes the pain.
The injection helps numb the area and reduce inflammation around the nerve. It is often used for pain in the back, neck, shoulders, legs, or arms and in conditions like arthritis, sciatica, CRPS, and cancer pain. Nerve block therapy provides fast pain relief, improves mobility, and reduces the need for strong pain medications.
It also helps identify the exact source of pain for further treatment. Nerve blockage treatment is quick and minimally invasive, and most patients return home the same day. Some nerve blocks last a few hours, while others can offer longer relief, depending on the type of injection. Nerve block treatment is a safe and effective option for managing chronic or severe pain.
Types of Nerve Blocks
Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural Steroid Injections are commonly used for back and leg pain, especially from spinal issues.
Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks
These are useful to treat low back pain in elderly patients by blocking nerves around facet joints of the spine.
Stellate Ganglion Blocks
Stellate Ganglion Blocks are used for pain in the face, neck, or upper arms and especially useful in post traumatic pain of arms.
Celiac Plexus Blocks
Celiac Plexus Blocks manage severe abdominal pain, often used for pancreatic or cancer-related pain.
Genicular Nerve Blocks
Genicular Nerve Blocks help with chronic knee pain, especially in people with arthritis.
Suprascapular Nerve Block
This block is used to provide relief from shoulder pains related to arthritis, especially in old patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery.
Occipital Nerve Blocks
Occipital Nerve Blocks are used for headaches and migraines linked to nerve pain in the back of the head.
Genicular Nerve Blocks
Genicular Nerve Blocks help with chronic knee pain, especially in people with arthritis.
Suprascapular Nerve Block
This block is used to provide relief from shoulder pains related to arthritis, especially in old patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery.
Benefits Of Nerve Blocks
Targeted pain relief
Minimally invasive
Quick outpatient procedure
Can help avoid surgery
Image-guided for safety and accuracy
Improves mobility and quality of life
Reduces need for pain medications
Image-guided for safety and accuracy
Improves mobility and quality of life
Frequently Asked Questions
You may feel a small pinch from the needle, but most people say it is not very painful. A numbing medicine is used to make it more comfortable.
Pain relief can last from a few days to several months, depending on your condition and the type of nerve block.
Most people can return to light activities the same day or the next day, based on how they feel.