Nerve blocks are medical procedures used to manage pain by interrupting the signals traveling along a nerve. These procedures can provide significant pain relief and help in diagnosing the source of pain. This section will cover two common types of nerve blocks:
Peripheral Nerve Block
Peripheral nerves serve as the link between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body. They are responsible for communicating pain signals back to the brain as well as providing sensation and movement. There are numerous peripheral nerves located throughout the body.
A peripheral nerve block can be used to treat many different types of chronic pain, including pain in the head, shoulders, arms, abdomen, knees, and legs. During the procedure, a needle is placed near the nerve and the nerve is blocked with a local anesthetic.
If the procedure is successful, a more long-term treatment option, radiofrequency of the nerve, can be pursued.
Medial Branch Block
A medial branch block, also known as a facet injection, is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the source of neck and back pain. It involves blocking the medial branch nerve, which is a common generator of spinal pain, with a local anesthetic. Medial branch block can be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas of the spine. If the procedure is successful, a more long-term treatment option, radiofrequency of the nerve, can be pursued.
