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.
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“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 ”
“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.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
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“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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 very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“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 ”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“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. 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.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
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