Nerve blocks are a procedure used to manage pain by disrupting the pain signals sent by specific nerves. This procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic or a combination of anesthetic and steroid medication near the targeted nerve or group of nerves. By numbing or reducing inflammation around the nerve, nerve blocks can provide significant relief from acute or chronic pain conditions.
During a nerve block procedure, guided by imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound for accuracy, a needle is inserted into the area around the nerve. Once the needle tip is in place, the medication is injected, bathing the nerve in the pain-relieving solution. This blocks the transmission of pain signals to the brain, offering relief that can last from hours to months, depending on the type of medication used and the underlying condition being treated.
Nerve blocks are commonly used to manage pain associated with conditions such as sciatica, chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), migraines, and certain types of arthritis. They are often part of a comprehensive pain management plan and may be repeated periodically to sustain pain relief. Nerve blocks can provide a valuable alternative or complement to medications and surgical interventions, offering patients relief and improved function without the need for long-term medication use.
