What Is a Nerve Block?
Nerve blocks are a type of regional anesthesia that involves an injection of medication to relieve pain in a specific area. This type of anesthesia can be used to numb an entire body region or a specific area.
There are a few different types of nerve blocks, including peripheral nerve block, sympathetic nerve block, and epidural nerve block.
Some of the most common types of medication used for nerve blocks include local anesthetics such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, narcotics, and steroids such as dexamethasone.
What Types of Pain Can a Nerve Block Be Used For?
Nerve blocks can treat several types of pain:
Headache – This treatment option can treat some types of headaches, such as tension headaches or migraines.
Neck and back pain – Nerve blocks can treat neck and back pain, including pain due to herniated discs, spinal stenosis, facet joint syndrome or degenerative disc disease.
Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries and impingement syndrome.
Arm pain, including conditions such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Hand pain, including conditions such as trigger finger or DeQuervain's disease.
Leg pain from conditions such as sciatica or hip bursitis.
Foot pain from conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Morton's neuroma.
Treatment for Chronic Pain
Nerve blocks are often used to relieve acute or short-term pain, such as pain related to a surgical procedure, but they can also be used for the management of chronic pain. A nerve block can help by disrupting pain signals caused by nerve damage or compression, so this is one of the best treatment options for neck and back pain from spinal stenosis or a herniated disc.
Benefits of Using a Nerve Block Over Other Methods of Pain Relief
Nerve blocks offer several potential advantages over other methods of pain relief:
Long-Lasting Relief
Nerve blocks can provide extended pain relief better than other methods, such as oral medications. They can also be used as preventative measures to help keep pain from returning in patients who have chronic conditions, such as pain from arthritis.
Precision
This type of pain relief is more precise than other pain relief methods such as oral medications, meaning that it can be used to target specific areas of pain. This is especially beneficial for treating conditions that affect a small area, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Reduce Side Effects
A nerve block has fewer potential side effects than other types of pain medication, some of which can cause nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. This is because the drug is injected directly into the area of pain rather than being taken orally.
Better Control of Pain
Nerve blocks can help give patients better control over their pain. This is because they can provide targeted relief to specific areas of pain. Also, because they provide longer-lasting relief, nerve blocks can help to minimize the need for pain medication.
Quick and Easy to Administer
Nerve blocks are quick and easy to administer, making them a good option for patients who are unable to take medication orally or who cannot receive other types of pain relief. Nerve blocks can also be used on an as-needed basis, which means that they can be taken as needed for pain relief.
Other Uses of Nerve Blocks
A nerve block injection can also be used to pinpoint the source of chronic pain, providing diagnostic information your physician can use to fine-tune your pain treatment plan.
At Mays & Schnapp, our pain management physicians are well-versed in a wide range of pain relief techniques. From nerve block injections to physical therapy, we offer many different treatment options and work with you to develop an individualized plan for pain relief so you can enjoy better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.