Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks offer you a highly effective, totally non-surgical solution to a number of different types of chronic pain.

What Is a Nerve Block Treatment?

A nerve block is a specialized, localized pain management procedure that involves injecting medication directly into or around a nerve or nerve cluster to manage pain. This technique is used to treat localized pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain, serving both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Nerve blocks can help you find relief from acute and chronic pain conditions while also helping physicians identify the source of your pain so they can develop the most effective possible treatment plan. If you’d like to learn more about nerve blocks and how they can help you or are interested in learning more about the other treatment options we offer, our team is here to help. Reach out to one of our many locations and set up your initial consultation today.

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How Nerve Blocks Are Performed

When we begin your nerve block treatment, we’ll position you in a way that gives your expert provider the best possible access to the treatment area. The skin in the treatment area will be carefully cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort. Using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, your physician will precisely inject a numbing medication into or near the nerves involved in pain transmission. The whole procedure is relatively quick and generally only takes a few minutes to complete.

The dual goals of nerve blocks are to provide you with an immediate sense of pain relief while also giving your provider the ability to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain with an exceptional level of precision. By temporarily disabling your nerves’ ability to transmit pain signals, this procedure can help us pinpoint the source of your pain and give us the ability to determine the most effective long-term treatment plan, which may include surgical interventions or other pain management strategies.

How Nerve Blocks Can Help

Neck Pain

Nerve blocks can be an effective treatment for neck pain, particularly when caused by conditions such as cervical radiculopathy or degenerative disc disease. By targeting the specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the neck to the brain, nerve blocks provide immediate relief and help reduce inflammation in the affected area. This procedure not only alleviates pain but also helps pinpoint the exact source of discomfort, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

Back Pain

Chronic back pain, whether due to conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, can be effectively managed with nerve blocks. By injecting medication directly into or around the nerves responsible for pain in the lower back, nerve blocks provide targeted relief, reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals from reaching the brain for both immediate and long-term benefits.

Elbow & Wrist Pain

Nerve blocks offer a precise and non-surgical solution to chronic elbow & wrist pain by effectively interrupting the pain signals traveling from these areas to the brain. This procedure provides quick relief, allowing for better mobility and function in the affected joints. By reducing pain and inflammation, nerve blocks also aid in diagnosing the underlying causes of discomfort, enabling the development of a more targeted and effective treatment plan.

Foot & Ankle Pain

Nerve blocks are an effective treatment option for chronic foot and ankle pain caused by conditions like plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or arthritis. By targeting the specific nerves involved, nerve blocks can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, improving your ability to walk and engage in daily activities. This treatment not only provides immediate relief but also helps in diagnosing the exact source of pain, leading to more personalized and effective long-term care strategies.

Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions

Before Your Nerve Block Procedure

During your initial consultation, you’ll have a chance to discuss any current medications you may be taking. This will give your physician a chance to see if any adjustments are needed to your medication. You’ll want to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may experience numbness or weakness after the procedure is over. We’ll make sure to give you easily followed instructions with regard to eating, drinking, and medication adjustments after your treatment.

After Your Nerve Block Procedure

Most patients plan to rest for the remainder of the day following their nerve block procedure, and it’ll be important to make sure that you avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days so that your injection sites have a chance to heal properly. You’ll want to keep your eye on the injection site and watch for any signs of infection or adverse reactions. Reach out and contact us immediately if any concerns arise after your nerve block procedure.

What Are My Next Steps After Nerve Blocks?

If the nerve block treatment effectively reduces pain, it may indicate that further treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), spinal cord stimulation, or other advanced pain management techniques could be beneficial. At the Advanced Relief Institute, we offer a variety of treatments tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs, aiming to provide long-term relief and improved quality of life. Ready for personalized pain relief and to find the source of your discomfort? Reach out to one of our locations and speak with a team member to set up your initial consultation and learn if nerve blocks are right for you.