Nerve Blocks Specialist

What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are injections that Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC, uses for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. A nerve block injection usually contains an anesthetic for numbing and an anti-inflammatory (steroid) medication to minimize inflammation. 

Nerve blocks can go into one specific nerve or into a group of nerves. The team typically uses advanced imaging (fluoroscopy) to place the nerve block precisely where you need it.

There are many different types of nerve blocks, such as:

• Stellate ganglion
• Sympathetic
• Peripheral
• Epidural
• Selective nerve root 

Your type of nerve block depends on which nerves cause your chronic pain and their location in your body.

When might I need a nerve block?

You might need a nerve block for diagnostic purposes, treatment of chronic pain, or both. When used for diagnosis, a nerve block can pinpoint the nerve causing your pain and determine the best treatment path. 

When used for treatment, a nerve block deactivates pain signals and reduces inflammation so your body can heal. A nerve block can also make the physical therapy process more comfortable. 

Some common reasons for nerve blocks for diagnosis, treatment, or both include:

• Late-stage arthritis
• Chronic back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Sciatica
• Cancer pain
• Chronic migraines 
• Occipital neuralgia
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Phantom limb pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

A nerve block is usually just one component of a diagnosis and treatment plan for chronic pain rather than a permanent solution on its own. 

For example, many people who are potential candidates for radiofrequency ablation have a diagnostic nerve block first, as this can help to predict whether radiofrequency ablation is a good fit for long-term pain management. 

Or, a nerve block could verify exactly which nerve causes the problems, so you can then consider specific solutions for long-term pain management, such as a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) or peripheral nerve stimulator.

When do I notice results from a nerve block?

Nerve block results are immediate. The pain relief can last from a few days up to a couple of weeks. It's generally not a long-term solution, but a nerve block can allow your body the break it needs to recover from an injury, which, in turn, can give you long-term pain relief. 

To learn more about nerve blocks and their role in a chronic pain management plan, call Michigan Advanced Surgical Center, PLLC.