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Nerve Block

PAIN TREATMENT

Nerve Blocks: Pain Management

Nerve blocks are a targeted treatment method to alleviate chronic pain by interrupting signals sent to the brain. This non-surgical procedure may be done to diagnose or treat chronic pain, and depending on the type of block, pain relief may be short-term, long-term or permanent.[1] Blocks or neural blockades may offer pain relief for individuals with persistent pain conditions such as low back or neck pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), migraines, arthritis or cancer-related pain.[2]

Here, we’ll explore how nerve blocks work, the different types, their benefits and why you should seek treatment through reputable pain management clinics.

How Nerve Block Injections Work

Nerve blocks prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, where they are translated into the pain sensation you actually feel.[1] An anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication is carefully injected near specific nerves or nerve clusters responsible for transmitting pain signals to cut off communication with your brain.[3] The injected chemical or medication numbs or destroys the neural pain pathways, reducing or eliminating the pain sensation in the target area.[3]

Depending on the type and location of the nerve block, the procedure can provide temporary relief or lead to more permanent pain management. The effects can last several hours to months, and repeated treatments might be necessary for sustained relief.

Target Areas for Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are an effective treatment for preventing, reducing or managing pain due to chronic conditions, injury or post-surgery.

According to VeryWellHealth, they can be given in most parts of the body to help with pain, including:

  • Shoulders
  • Collarbone (clavicle)
  • Arms
  • Face
  • Scalp
  • Neck and head
  • Back
  • Ribcage
  • Buttocks
  • Chest
  • Abdomen and pelvis
  • Legs
  • Ankle or feet

Nerve Block Injection Types for Pain Management

Spinal steroid injections help reduce inflammation and swelling in the area, leading to prolonged pain relief, enhanced mobility and overall function.[7] They offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing chronic spinal pain and are typically completed within 15-30 minutes on an outpatient basis. Effective pain relief from ESIs may reduce the need for oral medications and surgery.[5]

Nerve blocks are an effective treatment for preventing, reducing or managing pain due to chronic conditions, injury or post-surgery.

  • Celiac Plexus Block:
    Alleviates chronic abdominal pain often associated with pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.
  • Lumbar Sympathetic Block:
    Helps relieve lower back, leg, or foot related to neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or sciatica.
  • Stellate Ganglion Block:
    Relieves facial pain or pain in the head, neck, upper chest, or arms due to CRPS. Helps manage PTSD symptoms.[4]
  • Femoral Nerve Block:
    Targets the femoral nerve to relieve pain in the thigh, knee, or hip. Often used for patients with neuropathy, knee or hip fractures or recovering from hip or knee surgery.
  • Peripheral Nerve Block:
    Alleviates pain in a localized area, helpful for pain during or after surgery, CRPS, neuropathy or injuries.
  • Medial Branch Block:
    Diagnostic or therapeutic use. Relief for facet joint pain, spinal arthritis or chronic neck and back pain.
  • Occipital Nerve Block:
    Targets the occipital nerves located at the back of the head, offering relief for neuralgia, tension headaches or certain migraines.

Conditions Treated with Nerve Blocks

Nerve block injections offer a nonsurgical solution for various pain conditions, including:

  • Chronic back pain [2]
  • Cancer-related pain [2]
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) [5]
  • Postoperative pain [2]
  • Migraines and chronic headaches
  • Severe facial pain [2]
  • Pancreatitis [1]
  • Arthritis [2]
  • Peripheral neuropathy [5]
  • Herpes zoster (shingles) pain (postherpetic neuralgia) [6]
  • Phantom limb pain [7]
  • Childbirth [3]

Benefits of Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks offer several significant benefits for pain management, such as better pain control, inflammation reduction and time for nerves to heal. They provide temporary or permanent targeted pain relief with less need for medication.[3] This localized approach also minimizes the need for opioid medications, thereby reducing the risk of addiction and associated side effects.[3] By effectively managing pain, nerve blocks enhance a patient’s ability to perform daily activities, improving overall functionality and quality of life.

Nerve blocks are valuable diagnostic tools, helping to identify the precise nerves responsible for pain.[8] The procedure is minimally invasive and typically involves a quick outpatient process with minimal recovery time.

Nerve Block Specialists & Pain Management Clinics

Nerve block procedures are typically performed by specialists in pain management, including anesthesiologists, neurologists, and interventional radiologists. These professionals have extensive training in diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions using advanced techniques. Pain management clinics offer a multidisciplinary approach, providing comprehensive care that may include physical therapy, psychological support, and other interventions alongside nerve blocks. By working with a team of experts, patients receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their needs, ensuring the best possible pain relief and overall wellness outcomes.

Nerve blocks are a valuable tool offered by pain management specialists. Consulting a pain doctor ensures comprehensive medical care, specialized expertise, and a broader range of treatment options to address chronic pain and pain-causing conditions.

Resources:

  1. Cleveland Clinic Staff. Nerve Block. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. 2019. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/12090-nerve-blocks
  2. Nerve Blocks. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nerve-blocks
  3. Kandola A. Nerve block: How it works, types, and risks. Medical News Today [Internet]. February 25, 2020. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nerve-block
  4. Prasad S, Jain N, Tungki Pratama Umar, et al. Sympathetic nerve blocks for posttraumatic stress disorder: an evidentiary review for future clinical trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry [Internet]. 2023;14. Accessed May 26, 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1309986 Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10771322/
  5. Jacques E. How the Nerve Block Procedure Can Treat Neuropathic Pain. Verywell Health [Internet]. Updated May 03, 2023. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/nerve-blocks-for-chronic-pain-2564484
  6. Kim HJ, Ahn HS, Lee JY, et al. Effects of applying nerve blocks to prevent postherpetic neuralgia in patients with acute herpes zoster: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Korean Journal of Pain [Internet]. 2017;30(1):3-17. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5256258/
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