When The Pain Is Too Much To Manage
The occasional ache or pain is normal, especially in areas like the lower back. However, sometimes, the pain can seem like a constant, unwelcome presence. Specifically, the discomfort can be so bad that daily activities are limited, and a person experiences a decline in mobility and quality of life. For most people, oral or topical medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), are enough to treat or manage symptoms. Meanwhile, other individuals may not find relief until undergoing a minimally invasive procedure known as a nerve block. What is a nerve block, how is it performed, and what should patients expect from the process?
Understanding nerve blocks
A nerve block is a pain management solution that is used to manage chronic pain that doesn’t subside with traditional interventions. The treatment is designed to target groups of nerves referred to as a plexus or ganglion. The actual process involves injecting a pain numbing medication into a specific area to desensitize the nerves in the affected region. Multiple types of nerve blocks exist depending on the extent of the discomfort a person is experiencing.
Diagnostic or a treatment?
The truth is that nerve blocks can serve a dual purpose. In short, the non-invasive treatment can be used to pinpoint the source of an individual’s pain and also work as a preventative solution to avoid surgery. For example, an individual suffering from acute pain may find relief from a nerve block, which may not have been possible with other common treatment methods. Similarly, the procedure is a common option given to people suffering from phantom limb pain. Finally, sometimes, a nerve block can be used to predict potential surgical outcomes to give physicians a better idea of how a patient’s body would respond to specific procedures. Such an option ensures that patients don’t undergo needless surgery if the resulting benefits are insignificant.
What to expect
Most people who require a nerve block will have the procedure performed as an outpatient. In short, individuals will not need to be admitted to the hospital or stay overnight for observation. The first step will be to provide local anesthesia to numb the area where the treatment is being applied. Using imaging equipment like an ultrasound or X-ray, the physician will determine where to precisely apply the nerve block. Usually, the injection is administered as close to the affected nerve group as possible. Once finished, patients are required to rest until the medication begins to take effect.
Aftercare and expectations
In most cases, more serious aftercare isn’t required to recover from a nerve block procedure. However, core benefits individuals can expect to enjoy include either temporary or permanent relief of pain and reduced inflammation in the affected area. If the procedure was performed for diagnostic purposes, a healthcare provider will offer additional guidance as to the next steps to either continue treatment or review for progress. Relief may last anywhere from a few days to weeks, months, or even years in some cases.
Are there risks?
Nerve blocks are generally perceived as safe with few complications. However, no medical procedure is completely without risk, and the concerns may vary depending on the type of procedure and where the treatment was applied. While rare, some drawbacks can include infection or bleeding at the injection site, accidental medicine delivery to the bloodstream, and the medication spreading to other nerves or the spinal canal. Individuals undergoing nerve blocks are urged to contact a healthcare provider if new pain or symptoms develop after treatment.
