Treatments
Nerve Blocks in Phoenix, Arizona
At Atlas Pain Specialists we work with patients to help alleviate pain with the help of Nerve Blocks. We try to find the right solutions on a patient-to-patient basis.
Overview
What Are Nerve Blocks?
Neural blockades (Nerve Blocks), are pain management procedures that prevent or manage many different types of pain. They have often targeted injections of medicines that block the pain from specific nerves. They are for pain relief or for a diagnostical procedure to find out the source of pain. One of the most well-known nerve blocks is an epidural, which is when an anesthetic is injected near the spinal column.
What We Do: Nerve blocks are performed by guiding a needle with a fluoroscope, ultrasound, or CT scan to the pain-affected area and anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving drugs are injected around the affected nerves or group of nerves. Alternatively, the physician can use low-level electrical stimulation to identify the nerve causing pain.
Benefits
What is Nerve Pain & Why Choose Nerve Blocks?
Studies have shown that almost 16 million Americans suffer from chronic neuropathic pain. Nerve pain can show up in specific areas or affect your whole body. Nerve blocks are an effective pain management technic to either relieve your nerve pain or pinpoint the source of pain.
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Long-Lasting Relief
Each case is different, however nerve blocks can provide long-lasting pain relief.
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Minimally Invasive
No surgery is required and is generally an outpatient procedure.
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Fast
This procedure typically takes 30 minutes or so. No staying overnight in a hospital.
Conditions Treated
Pain Types Nerve Blocks Treat
Here are some of the common pain types that nerve blocks can treat. Dr. Ormond reviews each case separately and finds the best pain management solution for your pain type.
What Is the Purpose of Nerve Block Injections?
Nerve block injections are one of the most common treatments for pain management. They can provide temporary relief from acute or chronic pain or diagnose the source of pain by measuring a patient’s response to the injection. They can also be used for prognostic purposes to determine the potential effectiveness of a more permanent treatment option such as surgery.
In some cases, nerve blocks can be used to avoid surgery altogether. They are also sometimes used to prevent additional pain from a procedure or surgery that can cause negative side effects, such as phantom limb pain.
Nerve blocks are widely used in many medical settings, from physical therapy to general practitioners and even specialists such as anesthesiologists. The injection is typically a combination of an anesthetic and a steroid, which work together to reduce inflammation and temporarily block nerve pain signals.
When used for pain management, nerve blocks are most effective with other treatments, such as physical therapy and lifestyle changes. Some patients may need a series of nerve blocks to manage their pain.
The effectiveness of nerve blocks depends on the individual, the location of the nerve, and the type of medication used. Before beginning any treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about your personal health and medical history. Your doctor will be able to provide advice on the best course of treatment for you and any possible side effects.
Types of Nerve Blocks
There are numerous varieties of nerve blocks that may be utilized for a range of objectives, such as decreasing, managing, and preventing pain. Notable among them are the following that are used for different areas of the body:
- Trigeminal nerve blocks (face)
These are used to provide relief from facial pain, such as pain associated with a migraine or trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve is located on either side of the face and runs from the nose to the jaw. A trigeminal nerve block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain. - Ophthalmic nerve blocks (eyelids and scalp)
Ophthalmic nerve blocks target the ophthalmic portion of the trigeminal nerve and can reduce the pain associated with headaches, sinusitis, or eye strain. - Supraorbital nerve blocks (forehead)
The supraorbital nerve is located near the eyebrow and runs across the forehead. A supraorbital nerve block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain. - Maxillary nerve blocks (upper jaw)
The maxillary nerve is located near the cheek and runs along the jaw. A maxillary nerve block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain. - Sphenopalatine nerve blocks (nose and palate)
The sphenopalatine nerve is located near the nose and runs across the palate. A sphenopalatine nerve block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain. - Cervical epidural, thoracic epidural, and lumbar epidural blocks (neck and back)
The epidural nerve is located near the spine and runs along the entire back. Cervical epidural, thoracic epidural, and lumbar epidural blocks utilize local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps reduce the pain sensation. - The cervical plexus block and cervical paravertebral block (shoulder and upper neck)
The cervical plexus is near the vertebrae and runs along the entire neck. A cervical plexus block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps reduce the pain sensation. - Brachial plexus block, elbow block, and wrist block (shoulder/arm/hand, elbow, and wrist)
Brachial plexus block utilizes local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain. Elbow block and wrist block target the nerves in the elbow and wrist, respectively and can help to reduce the sensation of pain. - Subarachnoid block and celiac plexus block (abdomen and pelvis)
Subarachnoid block targets the nerves in the lower spine, while celiac plexus block targets the nerves around the stomach and intestines. Both utilize local anesthetics to block the nerve from sending signals to the brain, which helps to reduce the sensation of pain.
Nerve blocks are an effective way to provide relief from pain in various areas of the body. While each nerve block has different uses, they all work to block the transmission of signals so that the sensation of pain is reduced. Talk to your doctor to find out which nerve block is right for you.
What Are The Side Effects And Risks of Nerve Blocks?
Studies have indicated that nerve blocks can be effective in alleviating chronic pain, though they may come with certain side effects. Everyone’s body responds differently, but it is possible to experience soreness, rash, itching, bleeding, raised blood sugar, or additional energy at the injection site. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these effects are more severe than normal or become concerning.
However, nerve blocks are mainly used to help those with nerve damage-related conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia or chronic back pain. Those who do not have any nerve damage may not see the same effects of nerve blocks; only those with nerve damage should consider this treatment option. Speak to your doctor to see if nerve blocks are the best solution for you.
Procedure has Limitations
It is important to have realistic expectations when considering a nerve block as a means of pain relief. While complications are rare, temporary relief is typically only seen in the short-term and may require several injections to achieve the desired results. In some cases, it may not bring any relief at all. Long-term relief is more likely with a surgical nerve block, but comes with a longer recovery time. Permanent nerve destruction is a possibility, but should not be expected as a guarantee. It is essential to understand the possibilities and limitations of a nerve block in order to make an informed decision.
Accepted Insurances
No referral necessary!
Just call us and we’ll handle all the billing with your insurance company.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure? Ask us anything, or schedule a same-day appointment.
What are the 4 types of nerve blocks?
Nerve blocks are commonly grouped by purpose into four types. Diagnostic blocks find the source of pain, therapeutic blocks treat it, prognostic blocks predict how well a longer lasting treatment such as radiofrequency ablation will work, and preemptive blocks prevent pain before a procedure.
They are also described by location. Examples include peripheral nerve blocks in a limb or the head, epidural blocks along the spine, medial branch blocks for facet joints, and sympathetic blocks such as the stellate ganglion and celiac plexus blocks.
How long do nerve blocks last?
It depends on the medication and the goal. A block with local anesthetic alone usually lasts a few hours, up to about a day for long acting agents. When a steroid is added to calm inflammation, relief can last weeks to several months.
Some patients need a short series of blocks to get lasting results. If relief is strong but short, the block often points the way to a longer lasting option, such as radiofrequency ablation. Your pain management doctor can tell you how long your specific block is expected to last.
Why don't nerve blocks work for some people?
The most common reason is that the pain comes from more than one source, or from a different structure than the one blocked. Medication that does not spread fully around the target nerve, and long standing pain that has sensitized the nervous system, can also limit the result.
A block that gives no relief is still useful information, especially when it was done to diagnose the pain. We use that result to rethink the source and adjust your treatment plan.
Are nerve blocks safe?
Yes. Nerve blocks are among the most common pain procedures, and serious problems are rare when they are done with ultrasound, X ray or CT guidance. Most are outpatient procedures that take about 30 minutes.
Common side effects are temporary: soreness at the injection site, numbness or weakness in the area, and, with steroids, a short rise in blood sugar or facial flushing. Tell us about blood thinners, diabetes and allergies so we can plan safely.
How long do nerve blocks last after surgery?
A single injection nerve block given for surgery usually numbs the area for about 12 to 24 hours with long acting anesthetics. Newer extended release medications can stretch that to about three days, and a thin catheter that keeps delivering medication can extend relief for several days.
These blocks are usually given by the surgical anesthesia team at the hospital or surgery center. Start your prescribed pain medication before the block wears off, since the return of sensation can be sudden. Ask your surgeon or anesthesia team how long your specific block should last.
How long do nerve blocks last for back pain?
For back pain, the answer depends on the type of block. A diagnostic medial branch block uses anesthetic alone and lasts only hours, because its job is to confirm the pain source. Epidural and facet injections that include a steroid often relieve pain for a few weeks to several months.
When a medial branch block confirms the facet joints as the source, radiofrequency ablation of the same nerves can provide relief for six months to more than a year. Your pain management doctor can recommend the right block for your type of back pain.
How do nerve blocks work?
Pain travels to the brain as electrical signals along the nerves. A local anesthetic placed around a nerve temporarily stops it from sending those signals, so the area served by that nerve goes numb.
A steroid is often added to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves, which extends the relief. The doctor uses imaging to place the medication precisely next to the target nerve.
Do nerve blocks hurt?
Most patients feel a quick sting when the skin is numbed, followed by pressure as the needle is guided into place. The discomfort is usually brief and mild, and light sedation is available if you are anxious.
The injection site may feel sore for a day or two afterward. Ice and over the counter pain relievers usually take care of it.
Are nerve blocks dangerous?
Serious complications are uncommon. They include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, an allergic reaction and, rarely, a reaction to the anesthetic entering the bloodstream. Spinal blocks can occasionally cause a headache from a small spinal fluid leak.
Image guidance, careful dosing and a review of your medical history keep these risks low. Call us right away if you develop fever, severe headache, new weakness or numbness that does not wear off, or redness and swelling at the injection site.