Chronic pain affects approximately 21% of adults in the United States, disrupting daily life and limiting overall well-being. For individuals seeking effective relief, nerve blocks have emerged as a highly targeted, non-surgical solution to manage and reduce pain caused by various conditions.
At The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists, we offer innovative pain management techniques, including nerve blocks, to help patients in the Atlanta area take back control of their lives. Our experienced team led by Dr. Rizor, provides personalized care for chronic pain in the back, joints, and extremities. Schedule an appointment today to see how we can create a treatment plan for you.
Read on to learn more about nerve blocks, how they work, and the benefits they can bring to your pain management plan.
What is a Nerve Block & How Does It Work?
A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting medication (usually a local anesthetic or steroid) directly into the targeted nerve or group of nerves. This prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain, effectively 'blocking' the sensation of pain.
Nerve blocks can be performed in various areas of the body, including the back, neck, arms, and legs. The location of the injection depends on where your pain originates and which nerves are involved.
Common Conditions Treated Using Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks have been found to be an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Sciatica: A nerve block can target the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs. This is a common treatment for individuals experiencing shooting pain, numbness, and tingling in their legs.
- Back Pain: Nerve blocks can be used to manage chronic back pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Joint Pain: Individuals with arthritis or other joint disorders may find relief through targeted nerve blocks near the affected area.
- Headaches and Migraines: For some patients, nerve blocks can provide pain relief from chronic headaches and migraines by targeting nerves in the face, head, and neck.
It's essential to consult with a pain management specialist to determine if nerve blocks are a suitable option for your specific condition. Our team at The Physicians can assess your individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to manage both chronic and acute pain effectively.
Types of Nerve Blocks for Different Pain Conditions
There are several types of nerve blocks, each targeting specific nerves and pain conditions. Some common nerve block procedures include:
- Epidural Block: This type of nerve block is commonly used for lower back pain, sciatica, and other conditions affecting the spine. The medication is delivered near the affected nerves in the spinal cord.
- Facet Joint Block: For pain located in the neck or upper back, a facet joint block may be recommended. It targets small joints along the spine that can become inflamed and cause discomfort.
- Peripheral Nerve Block: If you have chronic pain in your arms or legs, this type of nerve block may provide relief by targeting nerves outside of the spinal cord.
- Sympathetic Nerve Block: This type of nerve block can help with chronic pain caused by complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), shingles, or other conditions affecting the sympathetic nervous system.
A pain management specialist like Dr. Rizor will determine the most suitable nerve block for your specific condition and symptoms.
Available Nerve Blocks at the Physicians
At The Physicians, we provide a range of targeted nerve block injections to help manage chronic pain effectively. Here are just a few of the nerve blocks we offer:
Celiac Plexus Blocks
Celiac plexus blocks can help with chronic abdominal pain by targeting the nerves connected to your abdominal organs. This procedure works by numbing those nerves, which reduces the pain signals sent to your brain. It’s often used for conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.
Genicular Nerve Blocks
Genicular nerve blocks are used to relieve knee pain from arthritis or degeneration. This injection numbs the sensory nerves in the knee, where you can achieve temporary pain relief and help determine if longer-term treatments, like nerve ablation, are suitable.
Intercostal Nerve Blocks
Intercostal nerve blocks can help with long-lasting chest pain from shingles or surgery. The procedure works by injecting medication into the nerves under your ribs. This helps reduce inflammation and stops pain signals from reaching your brain.
Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks
Lumbar sympathetic blocks target nerves in the lower back to help reduce chronic pain. These injections are often done in a series and can provide relief while also helping identify the source of the pain.
Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch blocks can help ease pain in your neck, shoulders, upper back, or head by numbing the nerves connected to the spine’s facet joints. This procedure works both to find the source of pain and to help manage it.
Stellate Ganglion Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Stellate ganglion blocks target nerves in the neck to help with chronic pain and nerve-related issues. This treatment can lower inflammation and provide temporary pain relief, and repeated sessions may even lead to long-term improvement.
What to Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure
Nerve blocks are typically performed as an outpatient procedure that takes between 15-30 minutes. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area before the injection is administered.
During the procedure, your practitioner will use imaging technology, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to guide the needle precisely to the targeted nerve. Once the medication is injected, you may experience a temporary feeling of numbness or weakness in the affected area.
Afterward, you can typically resume your daily activities with some restrictions on strenuous activity for a day or two. The full effects of the nerve block may take a few days to kick in, but many patients report experiencing immediate relief.
Recovery Tips After a Nerve Block
To ensure the best results and minimize any potential side effects, here are some essential tips to follow after your nerve block procedure:
- Rest for at least 24 hours after the injection, avoiding strenuous activities.
- Apply ice to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Take any prescribed medication as directed by your practitioner.
- Keep track of your pain levels and report them during follow-up appointments.
Follow up with your specialist to monitor progress and determine if further treatments or adjustments are necessary.
Discover Lasting Pain Relief with The Physicians
Nerve blocks are a safe and effective solution for managing chronic pain by targeting specific nerves to reduce discomfort and improve quality of life. At The Physicians, our experienced team led by Dr. Rizor is dedicated to providing innovative pain management techniques tailored to your needs.
If you're looking for 'pain management specialists near me', contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if nerve blocks are the right option for you.
