How Nerve Blocks Can Stop Your Pain

Relief from chronic pain means finding the right treatment or combination of treatments, so you can effectively manage your symptoms and lead a good quality of life. A nerve block is one treatment used to provide relief from chronic pain. It works by disrupting nerve activity, which stops pain signals from reaching the brain.

At Pain Management Specialists, board-certified interventional pain management physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, are dedicated to helping you manage chronic pain, so you can function better and do the things you enjoy. In this post, you’ll learn how nerve blocks shut off pain signals, so you can get much-needed relief.

What is a nerve block?

A nerve block involves injecting medication near one or more problematic nerves to block the pain signals that are being sent from the nerve tissue. A damaged or irritated nerve can send ongoing pain signals to the brain, resulting in chronic pain.

Nerve blocks also help reduce inflammation, and, in some cases, the treatment can give the area time to heal. Furthermore, nerve blocks can also help your provider diagnose the source of your chronic pain by monitoring how you respond after receiving a nerve block. 

How long does pain relief last?

Each patient responds to nerve blocks differently. Some patients obtain significant relief from a single injection. Pain relief can last from several days to several weeks. And, in some cases, the relief can last even longer.

Each case is different, and your provider will give you a better estimate once you have been evaluated. Furthermore, you may need multiple nerve block treatments to experience relief.

What happens during a nerve block procedure?

A nerve block is performed as an outpatient procedure, and the pain relief is usually immediate. As you lie still, the medication is injected close to the nerve that is believed to be causing your pain. This temporarily blocks signals from the nerve to provide you pain relief.

A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you should remain comfortable. If needed, a mild sedative can be used to ease any anxiety.

You may need multiple injections depending on how many areas are causing you pain. After the injections are complete, you can expect to rest for up to 30 minutes while the medication takes effect.

Nerve blocks are just one tool we have in our toolbox to help you get relief from chronic pain. If your pain responds positively, the procedure can be repeated. We offer individualized pain management plans, and you may need a combination of treatments to achieve adequate relief. 

To learn more about nerve blocks and other ways we can help you manage chronic pain, book an appointment online or over the phone with Pain Management Specialists today. We have an office in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland.