A nerve block is an injection of medication near specific nerves to manage pain, and it involves placing a needle at the target. After the needle is in place, specialists inject the medication. This technique treats various pain conditions. Here is more information about the methods used for this procedure:
Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics are medications that temporarily numb a specific area of the body. Since they work by blocking nerve signals at the site of the injection, this prevents pain messages from reaching your brain. When you need it, different types of local anesthetics for nerve blocks include:
- Lidocaine
- Bupivacaine
- Ropivacaine
The choice of an anesthetic depends on how long the numbing effect is needed. While some anesthetics provide short-term relief, which is helpful for diagnostic purposes, others have a longer duration of action. This offers extended pain management after a procedure, but your provider will select the appropriate medication.
Medial Branch Injections
Medial branch injections target small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints in your spine. These nerves do not control muscles or sensation in your limbs, so doctors can treat them without affecting your motor function. A physician uses imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to guide a small needle to the medial branch nerves. Once they correctly position the needle, they inject a small amount of anesthetic.
The nerve block procedure is typically brief. You will be awake during the injection, and the area will be numbed to help with comfort. While they administer the injection, you may feel a temporary increase in your usual pain. This sensation typically subsides quickly.
After the injection, medical professionals may monitor you for a short period, and you might notice your pain level decrease once the anesthetic takes effect. By keeping a pain diary afterward, you can help track the injection’s effects. This information helps your doctor plan the next steps in your care.
Diagnostic Injections
Diagnostic injections help identify the source of your pain, and an anesthetic targets a specific nerve or group of nerves suspected of causing pain. If you experience significant pain relief after the injection, it helps confirm that the target area is the source of the problem. This information is beneficial for your doctor.
For optimal results, the process involves precision and careful placement of the needle. Imaging technology guides the needle to the correct injection site, and you may receive more than one injection if multiple areas are being investigated. The goal is to pinpoint the exact nerve responsible for your discomfort.
Therapeutic Injections
Therapeutic injections are intended to provide longer-lasting pain relief. Unlike diagnostic injections that use only a local anesthetic, these typically include a corticosteroid. The steroid aims to reduce inflammation around the nerve, which can alleviate pain over a longer period. These injections are performed using similar techniques to diagnostic blocks.
Get Nerve Blocks Today
Trained medical professionals perform nerve block procedures to address pain. They use specific techniques and medications to target nerves involved in pain signaling. The information gathered from these procedures can help guide your treatment plan. Contact a healthcare provider to discuss whether a nerve block is a suitable option for you.