Nerve blocks, similar to epidurals used in childbirth, offer pain relief by interrupting how pain signals are sent to the brain. This is achieved by injecting a medicine near a nerve or near the spinal cord or nerve root. Beyond short-term relief, nerve blocks can also provide long-lasting solutions for individuals dealing with chronic pain.
When would a physician suggest a nerve block for chronic pain?
A doctor might recommend nerve blocks to alleviate chronic pain in individuals whose pain has not responded to other treatments. This may include those with conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs and spinal stenosis, as well as those with nerve damage or cancer-related pain.
Nerve blocks can also help identify the source of chronic pain when a patient is experiencing pain of unknown origin. Based on the location of the pain and the patient's medical history, a doctor can administer the anesthetic near a specific nerve. If the pain subsides after injection, it's likely that nerve is the source of discomfort. This can help doctors determine the best treatment for conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), headaches and migraines, trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain) and lower back pain.
What is the relationship between a nerve ablation and nerve block for treating chronic pain?
Nerve ablation is another option for relieving long-term pain. It involves destroying the nerves in a painful area to reduce or stop pain signals.
Before performing a nerve ablation procedure, doctors use a nerve block test to determine if the ablation will relieve pain. This test numbs specific nerves to help the doctor locate the nerves causing the pain.
Guided by X-rays or ultrasound, the doctor injects a drug on or near the nerve. If the nerve block relieves the pain, the ablation may work.
How effective is a nerve block at addressing chronic pain?
The effectiveness of a nerve block for chronic pain can vary. Factors such as the block type, the medicines used and the cause of the pain can influence its success. Some blocks last a few hours to a day, others last for months and some can provide permanent relief. Depending on the type of block administered, some patients require repeated injections to manage pain.
Nerve blocks can be effective for certain types of cancer pain, but they may not work as well for something like low back pain.
What are the risks of a nerve block for chronic pain?
Problems after a nerve block aren't common. There is a small risk of nerve damage, infection or bleeding. In rare cases, the medicines used can affect the central nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain or suspect you may benefit from a nerve block, it’s important to consult with a specialist. Appointments with PPG – Pain Management providers are by referral only. If you suspect you need to see a pain management provider, contact your primary care physician. To establish care with a PPG – Primary Care or PPG – Internal Medicine provider, schedule online or call our 24/7 scheduling center at 206-785-2631.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.