Nerve Blocks: A Safe And Effective Remedy For Nerve-Related Pain
Nerve-related pain can prevent you from going about your day-to-day activities, and it is not easy to manage without your doctor’s guidance. Sometimes this pain can be due to a severe underlying disorder or an injury. If you experience persistent nerve-related pain that does not improve with painkillers, you may be eligible for Humble nerve blocks. This treatment offers relief for pain from neuropathy and trauma.
An overview of nerve blocks
Nerve blocks are a form of regional anesthesia that involves injecting a numbing medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves to numb a particular area of the body. These blocks can be useful during surgical and non-surgical procedures, and your provider can administer them in various ways, including injection, catheter, or even through a nerve stimulator. Some common examples of nerve blocks include spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, and peripheral nerve blocks. Nerve blocks are a safe and effective way to provide pain relief, and you can use them alone or in combination with other forms of anesthesia.
What to expect during a nerve block treatment
During a nerve block procedure, you will typically lie comfortably and receive a mild sedative to help you relax. The anesthesia provider will then locate the specific nerve or group of nerves that need blocking using various techniques such as ultrasound, nerve stimulation, or anatomical landmarks. Afterward, the anesthesia provider will administer a numbing medication through a small needle or catheter. They will then monitor your vital signs and level of numbness to ensure that the nerve block is working properly. After the procedure, the team will monitor you closely for any complications or side effects. They may also give you instructions for post-procedure care and will discharge you once you are stable and comfortable.
What to expect after a nerve block procedure
After a nerve block procedure, you may feel numbness and pain relief in the treatment area. The length of time that the numbness and pain relief will last will depend on the type of nerve block your provider administered. For example, a single injection block will typically last for a shorter period than a continuous block. Once the nerve block begins to wear off, you may feel discomfort in the numbed area. You can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication, but in some cases, your specialist may prescribe a stronger prescription medication. The team may also advise you to avoid certain activities that could cause injury to the treatment site, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
In the days following the nerve block procedure, you may experience some residual numbness or tingle in the area. The numbness is normal and should resolve within a few days. The team may also give you instructions for follow-up care, including any physical therapy or other rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. Overall, nerve block procedures are safe and effective and can be a useful tool in managing pain and discomfort during medical procedures.
If you desire long-term relief from nerve-related pain, call the Interventional Sports and Pain Management Associates office or schedule an appointment online for a nerve block procedure.