What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are injections of prescription medication that prevent pain from reaching a specific group of nerves.

Your Trident Pain Management provider uses imaging technology like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the needle into the proper position. They might also use electrical stimulation to pinpoint the nerve (or nerves) causing you pain.

Once administered, nerve blocks work almost instantly. Many people experience a significant reduction in their symptoms within just 5-20 minutes.

What are the types of nerve blocks?

The team at Trident Pain Management offers several types of nerve blocks, including:

• Supraorbital nerve blocks (forehead)
• Cervical plexus blocks and cervical paravertebral blocks (shoulder and upper neck)
• Maxillary nerve blocks (upper jaw)
• Cervical epidural, thoracic epidural, and lumbar epidural blocks (neck and back)
• Trigeminal nerve blocks (face)
• Brachial plexus blocks, elbow blocks, and wrist blocks (arms, shoulders, and wrists)
• Subarachnoid blocks and celiac plexus blocks (abdomen and pelvis)

The team also offers more specialized injections, including sympathetic nerve blocks, stellate ganglion blocks, and facet joint blocks.

What are the benefits of nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are incredibly versatile and can relieve chronic, acute, long-term, or short-term pain. They offer immediate relief and reduce irritation on your nerves, providing your body with time to heal.

What’s more, if pain prevents you from going to work, exercising, or spending time with family and friends, nerve blocks can improve your day-to-day function and mobility.

Who is a candidate for nerve blocks?

At Trident Pain Management, the team uses nerve blocks to treat various conditions, including:

• Pain after surgery
• Cancer-related pain
• Arthritis pain
• Severe facial pain
• Low back pain
• Headaches
• Chronic regional pain syndrome

The team also uses nerve blocks to diagnose the source of certain pain-causing conditions. By assessing how you react to a temporary nerve block, your provider can better determine the source of your discomfort and how to adequately treat it.

Are nerve blocks safe?

Nerve blocks are safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience bleeding or an infection at the injection site, but these and other issues are rare. If you experience any unusual symptoms following your nerve block, contact Trident Pain Management right away.

To explore the benefits of nerve blocks, make an appointment at Trident Pain Management by requesting a visit online or call the office today.