About The Treatment

A peripheral nerve block is an interventional therapy for patients suffering from headaches, neuropathy, pelvic pain, and much more. This type of nerve block can also be used as a diagnostic tool. If the nerve is blocked and the patient experiences pain relief from the procedure, a Lifespring Pain Management Center physician can assume they found the exact source of pain.

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During this procedure, the patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the injection site. Your physician then inserts a needle into the affected area to deliver an anesthetic and steroid solution right to the damaged nerves. The solution prevents the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Because a local anesthetic was administered shortly before the procedure, patients should not feel pain from the injection. However, they may feel a slight pressure near the injection site. Overall, the procedure should only take a couple of minutes to complete.

 

After The Treatment

Patients may experience pain relief immediately after the procedure. This is due to the local anesthetic, which is a numbing medication. As the anesthetic begins to wear off, the patient may experience slight aches and pains. Our physicians advise rest for about 24 hours after the peripheral nerve block. Strenuous activities may need to be avoided for several days after the procedure. Patients can return to work as soon as they are comfortable.

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The steroid solution should provide the patient with temporary pain relief a few days after the initial injection. Complications are quite rare, but if patients notice any signs of an infection, rash, or fever, we strongly encourage them to contact their Lifespring Pain Management Center provider. Because peripheral nerve blocks are not a permanent chronic pain solution, the procedure may be repeated if necessary.