Can a Nerve Block Help My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pain?

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be much more than just a nuisance. For those living with it, carpal tunnel can significantly disrupt your daily life. It can trigger pain when carrying out normal daily activities like typing. If you're struggling with carpal tunnel, consider exploring treatment options.

Rely on the skilled providers here at Pain Management Specialists in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, to evaluate your pain and find an effective solution. Board-certified physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, specialize in interventional pain management solutions and have extensive experience treating pain caused by a range of issues.

Carpal tunnel develops when the median nerve, which runs along the forearm and hands becomes compressed. Nerve blocks are valuable for easing this type of pain. Keep reading to find out how a nerve block can ease carpal tunnel pain.

Understanding carpal tunnel syndrome and its impact

The median nerve sends motor sensory information from the shoulder, arm, and hand. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the nerve becomes compressed in the wrist area, causing the nerve to send sensations such as tingling, numbness, and pain.

Risk factors include repetitive motions, poor wrist posture, and lack of wrist support when typing, as well as conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. 

What is nerve block therapy?

Nerve block therapy involves injecting medication, typically a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid, near the affected nerve. The intended outcome is to block the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain. When treating carpal tunnel syndrome, our team injects the medication in or near the carpal tunnel region to quell pain and bring the inflammation down.

The effectiveness of nerve block therapy for carpal tunnel

Nerve block therapy provides temporary relief from carpal tunnel pain in multiple ways. The local anesthetic offers immediate pain relief, while the steroid can reduce inflammation in the area, potentially relieving pressure on the median nerve. 

Meanwhile, the block itself interrupts pain signals. This treatment is particularly beneficial for those who haven't found relief through conventional methods like wrist splinting, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Benefits of choosing nerve block therapy

One of the key advantages of nerve block therapy is its ability to provide rapid pain relief. For many patients, this can mean a return to daily activities with less discomfort. It's also a minimally invasive procedure, typically involving little to no downtime. 

Individualized pain management

Every case of carpal tunnel is unique. Nerve block therapy is highly effective in some cases. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if nerve block therapy is the right option for you.

Nerve block therapy is usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan. To learn more, and for an evaluation, call our offices in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland for a consultation.