Nerve Block Injections
Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of your life. If you’re among the millions of people suffering from persistent pain, you may have tried numerous treatments with little relief. Nerve block treatment could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
What is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block involves injecting medication directly around a nerve or group of nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This can provide significant and sometimes immediate relief from chronic pain. Nerve blocks can be used to treat various types of pain, including:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
How Does Nerve Block Treatment Work?
The procedure is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Consultation and Diagnosis
Your pain management specialist will perform a thorough assessment to determine if nerve block treatment is appropriate for your condition. - Preparation
You’ll be positioned comfortably, and the area where the injection will be administered will be cleaned and possibly numbed. - Injection
Using imaging guidance (such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy) for accuracy, the specialist will inject the medication around the targeted nerve. - Observation
You’ll be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate side effects.
Recovery and Results
- Recovery
Recovery from a nerve block is typically quick. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day. - Short-term Relief
Some nerve blocks provide temporary relief for a few hours to days. - Long-term Relief
With repeated treatments, the benefits can last longer, sometimes providing several months of pain relief.
Benefits of Nerve Block Treatment
- Immediate Pain Relief
Many patients experience significant pain reduction almost immediately after the procedure. - Minimally Invasive
The procedure involves only a small injection, minimizing risks and recovery time. - Targeted Treatment
Directly targets the source of pain, providing localized relief. - Decreased Need for Medications
Can reduce reliance on pain medications that often come with side effects.
Who is a Candidate?
Ideal candidates for nerve block treatment include those who have:
- Chronic pain not effectively managed by other treatments
- Pain localized to a specific area
- A desire to reduce the use of oral pain medications
Types of Nerve Blocks Offered
- Medial Branch
- Sympathetic
- Stellate Ganglion
- Selective Nerve
