Getting Pain Under Control
Pain is a part of life. The pain can be a simple cause-and-effect transaction or from stubbing a toe. Pain can also be chronic, like arthritis. There are many different techniques, medications, and strategies for pain management. Nerve blocks can be very effective for some long-term conditions or specific circumstances.
You’ve got some nerve
When there is an injury or inflammation, nerve endings send signals to the brain that translates into pain. In some cases, bones, ligaments, or swollen tissue can press on these nerves. Nerve pain can be particularly distressing. Common conditions with nerve pain include peripheral neuropathy, sciatica, spondylosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Most cases respond well to medication, exercise, and rest, but some need further treatment.
Blocking out the pain
A nerve block comes in handy when a doctor needs to treat nerve pain. The procedure prevents the nerves from sending signals to the brain by injecting an anesthetic or using other long-term means. Nerve blocks are also helpful for doctors who want to confirm if a particular area is causing pain. All nerve blocks happen with the same process. First, the doctor numbs the affected area and then uses fluoroscopy or CT scan to view the affected area. From there, the blocking agent is injected near the branch of nerves. Unless the nerve block is a precursor to another procedure, the patient can leave the same day.
Short-term nerve blocks
The effectiveness of the procedure will depend on the condition treated. Short-term nerve blocks are the most common form of treatment. The doctor will inject an anesthetic near the nerve branch to numb the area. This anesthetic lasts between 8-36 hours. Typical uses include epidurals during childbirth, arthritis, and just before surgery.
Medium-term nerve blocks
Sometimes, a patient will choose to avoid surgery but will need extended pain relief. This scenario is common with spinal conditions like sciatica, spondylosis, and issues with facet joints. A medial nerve branch block places a more potent corticosteroid near the branch nerves with the anesthetic. These shots aim to reduce inflammation and pain and typically last up to 3 months. Like short-term epidurals, doctors also use nerve blocks to confirm where the pain is originating.
Long-term nerve blocks
In severe cases, surgeons will opt for a long-term solution. These techniques seek to damage or destroy the nerve endings. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a standard procedure where radio waves burn the nerve endings through an injection. In rare cases of chronic pain, a surgeon can perform a neurectomy. This procedure severs the nerve endings using a minimally invasive procedure. Both procedures can reduce pain for between 1-2 years. In some cases, the pain relief can be much longer. By that time, the nerve endings can regrow and the pain can return.
Find what’s right for you
Based on the condition causing pain, a doctor will recommend the appropriate nerve blocks. Some will last just a few days, and others can last up to 3 months. Procedures like RFA reduce pain by destroying the nerve endings. These procedures can last for years. Managing pain can lead to a more fulfilling lifestyle. Speak with a doctor about the possibility of trying nerve blocks today.
Recent Posts
Ear Tubes: A Simple Solution For Recurrent Ear Infections In Children
Ear tubes help children avoid the pain and hearing loss associated with recurrent ear infections by improving air circulation within the ear.
Do Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Return After Surgery? Some Simple Recovery Tips
Carpal tunnel can make basic hand movements painful. The following tips can improve recovery and prevent injury recurrences.
Rotator Cuff Rehab: 3 Tips For Speedy Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Some people may need surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury. But these tips can help speed up the recovery timeline.
Clearing The Way: How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Quality Of Life
Chronic congested sinuses and sinusitis can be resolved with endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure may improve sinus drainage, breathing, and overall health.
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
Recent Posts
Ear Tubes: A Simple Solution For Recurrent Ear Infections In Children
Ear tubes help children avoid the pain and hearing loss associated with recurrent ear infections by improving air circulation within the ear.
Do Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Return After Surgery? Some Simple Recovery Tips
Carpal tunnel can make basic hand movements painful. The following tips can improve recovery and prevent injury recurrences.
Rotator Cuff Rehab: 3 Tips For Speedy Recovery After Shoulder Surgery
Some people may need surgery to repair a rotator cuff injury. But these tips can help speed up the recovery timeline.
Clearing The Way: How Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Improves Quality Of Life
Chronic congested sinuses and sinusitis can be resolved with endoscopic sinus surgery. The procedure may improve sinus drainage, breathing, and overall health.
