Blocking pain at its source

What are Nerve Blocks?

Nerve blocks are minimally invasive procedures that involve the precise injection of medication, such as a local anesthetic or corticosteroid, into or around specific nerves. By blocking the transmission of pain signals along these nerves, nerve blocks can provide effective relief for various chronic pain conditions, including neuropathy, joint pain, migraines, and more.

Types of Nerve Blocks:

1. Peripheral Nerve Blocks: These blocks target specific peripheral nerves outside of the spinal cord, providing localized pain relief. They can be used to manage pain in various areas of the body, such as the neck, back, shoulder, hip, or knee.
2. Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: Sympathetic nerve blocks target the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions and plays a role in chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or sympathetic-mediated pain.
3. Epidural Nerve Blocks: Epidural blocks involve the injection of medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. They are commonly used for managing pain in the back, legs, or arms caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
4. Facet Joint Blocks: Facet joint blocks are used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints of the spine, which can cause back, neck, or joint pain. These blocks can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief.

Specific Conditions That Can Be Treated With Nerve Blocks

Chronic Back and Neck Pain

Persistent pain in the back or neck can interfere with movement and daily activities. Neck nerve blocks target irritated nerves in the cervical spine to reduce pain caused by inflamed or compressed nerve structures. These injections can be useful for both short-term relief and long-term pain management strategies.

Migraines

Chronic migraines can be debilitating, often causing severe head pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Targeted nerve blocks can interrupt pain pathways that contribute to migraines to reduce both the severity and frequency of episodes. This approach can be beneficial for patients who have not responded well to other treatments.

Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy

Irritation or compression of nerves in the lower spine can cause pain that radiates down the legs. A nerve block can help by reducing inflammation around the affected nerve roots, easing discomfort associated with sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy. This treatment can provide relief for those experiencing sharp, burning, or shooting pain along the lower back and legs.

Neuropathy and Nerve Damage

Damaged or irritated nerves can lead to chronic pain, numbness, or tingling sensations. Nerve blocks can help by disrupting pain signals sent from these nerves, offering relief for conditions such as diabetic neuropathy or post-surgical nerve pain.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Inflammation in the joints can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Nerve blocks can target the affected areas, helping to manage discomfort associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

CRPS

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition that causes severe, persistent pain, often affecting the arms or legs. Nerve blocks targeting the sympathetic nervous system can help reduce pain signals, potentially improving mobility and function. These treatments may also help control symptoms such as swelling, temperature changes, and hypersensitivity.

Benefits of Nerve Blocks:

1. Targeted Pain Relief: Nerve blocks offer precise targeting of the affected nerves, allowing for focused pain relief. By interrupting the pain signals at their source, nerve blocks can provide localized relief, improving your overall comfort and function.
2. Minimally Invasive: Nerve block procedures are minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis. This means you can typically return home on the same day of the procedure, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
3. Reduced Reliance on Medications: Nerve blocks can reduce the need for long-term medication use, including opioids or other pain medications. By directly targeting the pain source, nerve blocks offer an alternative approach to pain management, potentially reducing reliance on systemic medications.
4. Personalized Approach: At Still Well Pain Management, we take a personalized approach to nerve blocks. Our experienced pain management specialists will assess your condition, conduct thorough evaluations, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
5. Improved Quality of Life: By effectively managing your chronic pain, nerve blocks can significantly improve your quality of life. They can help restore mobility, enhance daily functioning, and enable you to participate in activities that may have been limited by pain.

How to Prepare for a Nerve Block Procedure

Medical Evaluation and Medication Review

Before scheduling a nerve block, we will review your medical history and current medications. Certain blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, so you may need to adjust your medication schedule before the procedure. Let us know if you have any allergies, past reactions to anesthesia, or conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, as these can affect the way your body responds to treatment. If you take insulin, we may need to adjust your dosage on the day of the procedure.

Comfortable Clothing

Wear loose-fitting clothing to make the procedure more comfortable. If the injection site is on your back, legs, or arms, consider wearing something that allows easy access, like a short-sleeved shirt or loose pants. For lumbar or cervical injections, a button-up or zippered top can be more convenient than something that needs to be pulled over your head. Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could interfere with the procedure.

What to Expect During Your Procedure

Application of Local Anesthetic

Before the injection, the treatment area will be cleaned and prepped. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin, reducing any discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure as the anesthetic is administered, but this helps ensure the rest of the process is more comfortable.

Injection of Medication

Once the area is numb, we will carefully guide the nerve block injections to the precise location, which may be done using imaging technology such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy. This helps us deliver the medication exactly where it’s needed. You might feel mild pressure or warmth as the medication spreads, but the injection itself is typically quick and well-tolerated.

Immediate Monitoring

After the injection, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no unexpected reactions. Depending on the type of nerve block, you may notice pain relief right away, or it may take a few hours for the full effect to develop. Once we confirm everything looks good, you’ll be able to go home with post-procedure instructions.

Choose Still Well Pain Management for Nerve Blocks

At Still Well Pain Management, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping you find lasting relief through nerve block procedures. With our expertise in pain management and a patient-centered approach, we strive to deliver optimal outcomes and improved well-being for our patients.

Take the Next Step towards Pain Relief with Nerve Blocks.