Chronic pain can disrupt nearly every aspect of your everyday life, from performing routine tasks to earning a living to enjoying your favorite hobbies. While rest or medication can improve symptoms for some, others still struggle with regular discomfort after trying these treatment methods. If you still have regular discomfort despite what you’ve tried, nerve blocks can potentially provide a minimally invasive alternative.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our team uses nerve blocks to help patients manage chronic back, neck, and nerve-related pain and regain function. The following is information about how this treatment works, who it may benefit, and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is an injection of medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves, targeting the exact area that sends pain signals to the brain. The procedure helps calm the affected nerve and limit the transmission of pain signals.
There are two main types of nerve block:
- Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: A healthcare provider can use a nerve block to confirm the exact source of your pain, which can support a more precise treatment plan.
- Therapeutic Nerve Block: Nerve blocks are also used to directly treat chronic pain by reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort.Â
The targeted approach nerve blocks provide can reduce the need for oral pain relievers and help patients perform both more fully in physical therapy and daily activities.
Conditions Treated with Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks can help manage a wide range of spine and nerve-related conditions. Some of the most common conditions we treat with this procedure include:
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica
- Facet joint pain
- Arthritis-related spine pain
- Post-injury nerve pain
- Chronic neck or back pain
Each condition requires a personalized approach. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether you’re a candidate for a nerve block, and then tailor your treatment to your specific needs.
What to Expect During the Procedure
While the nerve block procedure is minimally invasive, some patients may still feel uneasy while awaiting their appointment. Understanding the process can help you feel calmer and more confident when you arrive at our office.
Before the Procedure
Before receiving nerve block treatment, you’ll sit down with us for a focused evaluation and review of your symptoms.
During the Procedure
Your provider will position you comfortably and clean the treatment area. Your provider may use imaging guidance to improve accuracy during the injection. They will then place the injection near the targeted nerve. Most patients report only mild discomfort during this step.
After the Procedure
The nerve block procedure usually takes a short amount of time, and you can typically return to normal activities soon after the appointment, depending on your provider’s recommendations.
Are Nerve Blocks Safe?
Yes, nerve blocks are generally considered a safe and effective treatment. Our trained specialists always prioritize patient safety when providing nerve block treatment. Our approach includes:
- Reviewing your medical history and medications
- Using imaging for enhanced accuracy when needed
- Monitoring your response during and after the procedure
All medical procedures carry some risk, but complications with the nerve block procedure remain rare. The most commonly reported side effects include temporary numbness and soreness at the injection site.
When to Consider a Nerve Block
You may want to consider nerve block treatment if you experience:
- Ongoing pain despite rest, therapy, or medication
- Pain that interferes with daily activities
- Limited mobility due to discomfort
- Unclear diagnosis that requires further evaluation
A consultation with one of our specialists can help determine whether this treatment would be effective for you and help you meet your goals.
Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
If chronic pain continues to limit your mobility and impact your quality of life, nerve block treatment may make a tremendous difference. The team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can assess your condition and create a treatment plan designed to ease your symptoms and help you get back to doing the things you love. Contact us today to get started.