A nerve block can be a helpful tool when it comes to controlling pain. Using a combination of anesthetic, along with an anti-inflammatory steroid, nerve block injections can help to restore your quality of life.

Here's what you need to know about nerve blocks for pain management.

How do nerve blocks work?

Nerve blocks prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, and as such, they have a variety of uses. Nerve blocks are often used to treat chronic pain. For example, nerve blocks may be used to treat painful conditions such as chronic back pain or severe arthritis. Nerve blocks are also effective for some individuals in reducing pain caused by cancer. Nerve blocks are also sometimes used in a diagnostic capacity, to identify which specific nerves are responsible for your pain. In addition, nerve blocks may be used to temporarily alleviate pain, such as pain during labor and childbirth.

Types of Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks may be nonsurgical or surgical. Surgical nerve blocks are deemed permanent and are used to treat debilitating pain. These types of nerve blocks are used to permanently destroy nerves or nerve roots, or so that part or all of a peripheral nerve can be removed. Nonsurgical nerve blocks are temporary and are typically used as a short-term pain reliever or anesthetic during surgery. Non-surgical nerve blocks for pain management include epidurals, peripheral nerve blockades, or sympathetic blockades. Non-surgical nerve blocks are given as injections, to numb specific nerves.

How well do nerve blocks work?

Nerve blocks work immediately, and effectively for many people. Others may need a series of injections before relief from pain is felt. The number of injections you will need will depend upon how well the injection works, and take into consideration your overall health. Some individuals may experience relief from pain for 6-12 months after receiving a nerve block injection.

Benefits of nerve blocks

Nerve blocks are non-addictive, so there is no risk of dependency associated with them, unlike opioid drug pain relievers. Better still, nerve blocks may alleviate pain so that you can focus on rigorous physical therapy, to further reduce pain. Temporary nerve blocks may also begin to offer longer-term relief from pain as some of the injections may reduce irritation to the nerves, allowing them to heal.

What are the risks of nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are considered to be safe. However, as with all medical procedures and treatments, there is some risk. Bleeding and soreness around the site of injection may develop. It is also possible that the medication can enter the bloodstream, or that a nerve block can permanently damage a nerve. However, the risk is small, and these complications are rare.

Nerve Blocks to Treat Pain

Chronic pain can destroy the quality of your life, so if you're suffering from chronic pain, schedule a consultation with top Los Angeles Pain Management Specialist Dr. Ryan Peterson today. Dr. Peterson provides nerve blocks for pain management, along with many other treatments and services.

With offices throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Ryan Peterson is dedicated to helping you experience relief from pain and improve your quality of life.

Call 818-200-8192 to schedule an appointment.