Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain: What You Should Know:
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Published 2021-09-10
Often a group of nerves, called a plexus or ganglion, that causes pain to a specific organ or body region can be blocked with the injection of medication into a specific area of the body. The injection of this nerve-numbing substance is called a nerve block.
How Are Nerve Blocks Used?
There are different kinds of nerve blocks used for various purposes.
Therapeutic nerve blocks are used to treat painful conditions. Such nerve blocks contain local anesthetic that can be used to control acute pain.
Diagnostic nerve blocks are used to determine sources of pain. These blocks typically contain an anesthetic with a known duration of relief.
Prognostic nerve blocks predict the outcomes of given treatments. For example, a nerve block may be performed to determine if more permanent treatments (such as surgery) would be successful in treating pain.
Preemptive nerve blocks are meant to prevent subsequent pain from a procedure that can cause problems including phantom limb pain.
Nerve blocks can be used, in some cases, to avoid surgery.
Types of Nerve Blocks
Various areas of pain require different nerve block types. Below are a few of the available nerve blocks and some parts of the body where they are used.
Trigeminal nerve blocks (face)
Ophthalmic nerve block (eyelids and scalp)
Supraorbital nerve block (forehead)
Maxillary nerve block (upper jaw)
Sphenopalatine nerve block (nose and palate)
Cervical epidural, thoracic epidural, and lumbar epidural block (neck and back)
Cervical plexus block and cervical paravertebral block (shoulder and upper neck)
Brachial plexus block, elbow block, and wrist block (shoulder/arm/hand, elbow, and wrist)
Subarachnoid block and celiac plexus block (abdomen and pelvis)
Other Nerve Blocks
Other types of nerve blocks include:
Sympathetic nerve block: A sympathetic nerve block is one that is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain. This is a network of nerves extending the length of the spine. These nerves control some of the involuntary functions of the body, such as opening and narrowing blood vessels.
Stellate ganglion block: This is a type of sympathetic nerve block performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain supplying the head, neck, chest, or arms and if it is the source of pain in those areas. Although used mainly as a diagnostic block, the stellate ganglion block may provide pain relief in excess of the duration of the anesthetic.
Facet joint block: Also known as a zygapophysial joint block, the facet joint block is performed to determine whether a facet joint is a source of pain. Facet joints are located on the back of the spine, where one vertebra slightly overlaps another. These joints guide and restrict the spine's movement.
Learn more: www.soundpainalliance.com/treatments/
All Comments (18)
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I had this done, exposed lumbar nerves. Plus Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This must been an act of God on my behalf. I suffered 6 years of pain, literally crawling on the ground flopping on the ground, pain I can't describe. Had the procedure and was told 6 mo. to a year for relief. I'm sorry for those still in pain. For a few days the pain intensified, then it went away. It 💯 went away, it never came back. Knock on wood and praise god!!! I am now 7 years free from pain that was so intense for 6 whole years! Free from begging for my life to just end! I can't say enough that this procedure saved my life!
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I had this procedure this week. I did not use anesthesia. Left shoulder pain was at a 10 point on the pain scale. The doctor numbed the area with an injection which in itself is very painful. Then, under x-ray he proceeded with the ablation. It did hurt, I won't lie, but the pain is only for 30-40 seconds and it's over. Much pain later that night but ice helped. The next day was a marked improvement. Pain level about a 2. This is the 3rd time I have done this over a span of 5 years. It helps for a long period of time 6 months to a year and then my problem begins again. But it's better than surgery.
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When through this process and experienced no change whatsoever. I had to do a second injection called Hernicore to feel my pain reduced by the week, finally. For those suffering from herniated discs, please do not wait for it to go away. Ask your doctor to proceed to any surgical or non-surgical intervention. You will get your life back sooner.
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I will have nerve block radio frequency ablation on the 08.15.2023, I’m praying for back and joint relief. I’m 52 yes young, didn’t plan on this being in my future.. BUT GOD !!!
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Going this morning for the shoulder.
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I had this in my L5 S1 I got instant relief until the numbing wore off. Only been 4 days since and back to so much pain in my leg
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I’ve done it 6 times now and it still hasn’t worked, I have L3,L4 & L5 bulging discs and the pain is so bad. Never had back spasms until I done these procedures and now if I do anything strenuous I have back spasm which is unbearable
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I'm hoping you might be able to help It appears a nerve block during a rotator cuff surgery has left me with a blood clot and half of my right lung being nonfunctional.. Will not go into the specifics of the lack of response from the doctor who performed the surgery but a hospital stay was able to get me out of immmediat distress. A VERY GOOD PA was able to help me out with determing what was going on. Comparing pre op xrays and CTs he has determined half.of.my right lung is no functionimg . He researched and determined it may be necessary to have a surgeon go in and perform repair/ pressure release surgery on that chest nerve We are not able to locate a surgeon that can perform this surgery. I am close to the Dallas FT Worth area , there was a surgeon in that area who performed the surgery , but he is no longer a available (retirement??? Not sure) In any case do you have a referral of a surgeon who may be able to help and has experience with this post op /nerve block damage issue?
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So would nerve be safer than epidurals cause they not going to the epidural space.
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I’m going to be doing this next week. I’m hoping that it will help.
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Dr. Arujo.
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Didn’t work for me.
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Good evening everyone I have a sick nerve in my armpit due to the mistake of doctor He injected nerve And now it is sick Advice me what I can do Thank you God bless you
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I had these a few years ago n thay did work im naw due for another nerve blocker iv got sitica n bulged disk in my back n mucel spams in my legs n back when l had these a few years ago the 1st lot worked the 2end lot did not work but the 3erd one worked so l no thay will work agean
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No use waste
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It never worked for me. It was a waste of time and money.
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when we have pain meds that WORK and are safe if taken as directed , you people are crazy !
