How Nerve Blocks Work to Relieve Pain

A nerve block is a targeted procedure used to reduce pain by interrupting pain signals traveling along specific nerves. It may be used to support recovery after surgery, manage acute injuries, or address certain chronic pain conditions when other treatments have not provided adequate relief. Here’s more information on how a nerve block works to relieve pain:

Targeting the Pain Source

The human body contains a complex internetwork of nerves that act like a communication highway. These nerves send sensory information from muscles, ligaments, and bones to the brain, which interprets these signals as pain. A nerve block targets specific nerves in this pathway to disrupt the communication loop. This prevents the brain from registering the pain, which allows the patient to experience relief. The injection usually contains a local anesthetic or a mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication. The local anesthetic acts as a numbing medicine that creates a temporary barrier against pain perception, while the steroid works over time to decrease inflammation around the irritated nerve roots.

Exploring Common Reasons

Physicians recommend this treatment for various conditions that affect the spine, joints, and surrounding tissues. A doctor will typically suggest a pain block injection if a patient has not responded well to NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or other conservative measures. Medical professionals frequently use nerve blocks to treat the following issues:

Facet Joint Arthritis: Inflammation in the joints that connect the vertebrae can cause significant stiffness and discomfort.
Herniated Discs: When the cushioning discs between vertebrae slip or rupture, they press on nearby nerves.
Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Trauma or Injury: Accidents can damage ligaments and muscles, leading to chronic muscle spasms and tension.

These conditions often cause significant inflammation, and a nerve block helps reduce that swelling to alleviate symptoms.

Going Through the Procedure

The procedure is generally performed in a surgical center or a dedicated office procedure suite to maintain a sterile environment. Patients should follow specific preparation guidelines, such as fasting and discontinuing blood thinners, unless instructed otherwise by the physician. The standard steps for a nerve block include:

Positioning: The patient lies on an X-ray table, typically face down, to provide the physician with access to the spine.
Guidance: The doctor uses a specialized X-ray machine, called a C-arm or fluoroscopy, to visualize the spine in real time.
Injection: The physician guides a needle into the facet joint or near the medial branch nerve and administers the medication.

The use of imaging technology increases the accuracy of the injection.

Reviewing Results and Next Steps

Steroid medication may cause temporary facial flushing, anxiety, water retention, or trouble sleeping. A patient may also experience a temporary increase in symptoms depending on the severity of the initial nerve irritation. These issues typically resolve within a few days without the need for further medical intervention.

Patients are advised to have a restful, non-eventful day immediately following the appointment to recover from the anesthesia. A responsible adult must drive the patient home because the procedure often involves sedation or local anesthesia that impairs driving ability. Normal activities can usually resume the day after the facet injection or medial branch block. It is fundamental that patients monitor their pain levels during this period and report them to their physician..

Schedule Your Nerve Block Consultation

Managing chronic pain requires a comprehensive treatment plan that accurately addresses the root cause of discomfort. Nerve blocks offer a fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic tool for identifying pain sources and providing substantial relief. Contact a qualified pain specialist near you to schedule your consultation for nerve blocks today: