Nerve blocks are a type of medical procedure used to alleviate pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals through nerves. They are typically performed by injecting an anesthetic or other medication near the affected nerve or group of nerves.
Conditions Treated By Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to acute injuries. They can be especially useful for patients who have not responded well to other forms of pain management, or for those who wish to avoid the potential risks and side effects of opioid pain medications.
- Arthritis pain
- Labor and delivery pain
- Pain after surgery
- Low back pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Chronic regional pain syndrome, or CRPS
- Severe facial pain, like trigeminal neuralgia
- Headaches, including migraines and occipital neuralgia
Dr. Alireza Bozorgi takes a multidisciplinary approach for pain and treatment may involve multiple therapies, in addition to nerve blocks.
Types of Nerve Blocks
There are a variety of nerve blocks available for medical treatment, and the doctor will evaluate a patient’s health condition before deciding which one is best suited for their needs. The duration of the nerve block may be temporary or permanent depending on the medication used.
Nonsurgical nerve blocks are temporary and can provide short-term pain relief or serve as an anesthetic during surgery. Examples of nonsurgical nerve blocks include epidural, spinal anesthesia or analgesia, peripheral nerve blockade, and sympathetic blockade, which can numb a specific nerve or a whole area of the nervous system.
Surgical nerve blocks, on the other hand, are permanent and involve damaging or destroying specific nerve cells. They may be used to treat chronic and severe pain conditions. Examples of surgical nerve blocks include sympathetic blockade, neurectomy, and rhizotomy, which can permanently block pain signaling by destroying nerve roots or peripheral nerves.
Benefits of a Nerve Block
Nerve blocks have the ability to alleviate various types of pain, such as chronic pain, pain following surgery, and severe acute pain. These blocks provide immediate relief, and some injections can even minimize nerve irritation, leading to long-term pain relief.
By using nerve blocks, individuals experiencing chronic pain can improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as going to work and exercising.
Although temporary nerve blocks offer short-term pain relief, the effect may wear off within a few hours after the medication is administered. For those with inflammation and persistent pain, repeated or prolonged nerve block treatments may be necessary.
How Nerve Blocks Are Used To Provide a Diagnosis
In addition to their use in pain management, nerve blocks can also be used as a diagnostic tool. By selectively blocking certain nerves, doctors can determine whether a patient’s pain is originating from a specific area or nerve. This can help them to develop a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Potential Risks And Side Effects
Despite their potential benefits, nerve blocks do carry some risks. In rare cases, patients may experience complications such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. However, these risks are generally considered low, and nerve blocks are considered a safe and effective option for many patients with chronic or acute pain.