Nerve Blocks
You deserve long-lasting relief from your pain. One proven technique for achieving this relief is a nerve block. Consisting of injections that target specific nerves, these blocks use medication to stop or “block” pain signals from those nerves. The result can be pain relief for pain that appears throughout many areas of the body.
What happens during a nerve block?
A Nerve Block is similar to an Epidural Steroid Injection but in a nerve block there is no attempt to have the medication enter the epidural space. Rather, the aim is strictly to target the offending nerve root and block the nerve to provide pain relief by shutting down pain receptors in those nerves.
Nerve blocks involve an injection, using X-ray guidance or ultrasound, through which we deliver medications, including an anesthetic for pain relief and a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation if needed.
At ALTUS, we have more than 20 years of experience in delivering many kinds of nerve blocks tailored to your needs. We focus on providing a stress-free and comfortable experience that accurately targets your area of pain and delivers almost instantaneous relief.
What conditions does a nerve block treat?
Nerve blocks are a proven and minimally-invasive way of treating several painful conditions, including these:
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common to have questions about your procedure. If these answers are not sufficient, we are always happy to talk in more detail. Just reach out!
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Is the injection site painful during a nerve block procedure?
The injection site is typically numbed with a local anesthetic before the procedure, minimizing discomfort. While patients may feel pressure or a sensation during the injection, significant pain is uncommon.
- Are there different types of nerve blocks?
Yes, there are various types of nerve blocks, including sympathetic nerve blocks, epidural nerve blocks, and peripheral nerve blocks. The specific type used depends on the location and nature of the pain being treated.
- Can anyone receive a nerve block?
While nerve blocks are generally safe, we need to consult with you to determine your eligibility. Individuals with allergies to the medications used, certain medical conditions, or those taking blood-thinning medications may need to use a different approach to pain management. We have many from which to choose!
- How long does pain relief from a nerve block last?
The duration of pain relief varies depending on the type of nerve block and the individual’s response. It can range from hours to months. Some individuals may require repeated nerve blocks for sustained relief.
- What are the potential risks or side effects of nerve blocks?
Common side effects include temporary numbness, tingling, or weakness in the injected area. Serious complications are rare but may include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. We will walk you through any side effects, but have no fear – Major side effects are very very rare thanks to our attentive expertise.
- How soon can I expect pain relief after a nerve block?
The onset of pain relief varies. Some individuals experience immediate relief due to the local anesthetic, while others may take a day or two to feel the full effects. We will help you understand what to expect based on the specific nerve block performed.
See Other Treatments
Interventional pain management involves procedures that target and treat the source of pain directly, providing relief without relying solely on medications. This helps to address the root cause of pain with effective and personalized solutions that go beyond traditional pain relief methods.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Precision-focused injections to reduce inflammation and manage pain associated with spinal conditions.
Transforaminal Injections
Targeted injections to relieve pain by directly addressing affected nerve roots.
Nerve Blocks
Expertly administered injections to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves, providing effective relief.
Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure
Minimally invasive, out-patient procedure, in which your provider places specialized needles over the affected nerves.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Cutting-edge technology to modulate pain signals and enhance overall spinal function.
Regenerative Medicine Procedures
Revolutionary regenerative medicine to stimulate natural healing and tissue repair.
Vertebral Augmentation
Heal fractured vertebrae using Vertebral Augmentation, a category of procedures used to create a cast using bone cement to increase height of vertebrae and provide pain relief.