What is a nerve block?
A nerve block is a treatment indicated for pain management, either temporary or long-term. A nerve block involves an injection of numbing medication into bundles of nerves that deliver pain signals from a specific area of the body. This procedure can be used during or after surgical procedures to relieve postoperative pain or to treat acute or chronic pain.
Ultrasound guidance is used for this procedure, which increases the accuracy and effectiveness of nerve-block injections. Using this technology, Dr. Kulick can direct the nerve-block injection into the specific nerve bundle needed to relieve your pain.
A nerve block can be used with hydrodissection, a procedure used to create space around a nerve. This allows the nerve-block medication to have greater access to the nerve bundle being treated, increasing its effectiveness.
What are the benefits of a nerve block?
Aside from blocking pain signals from a specific area, this procedure has the potential for treating your pain in a number of other ways. It can be used to:
- Identify an exact source of pain
- Predict how pain will react to other treatments
- Give short-term relief after surgery or a painful procedure
- Diminish nerve inflammation and irritation
For some, a nerve block can have lasting results, or they might need to be repeated over time to give continued relief. Results can last for six to 12 months in some cases. Each case is different, and the effects are specific to each patient.
What conditions can be treated using a nerve block?
A nerve block can treat a variety of conditions. They can be used to treat pain that is the result of nerves being inflamed, irritated, or damaged. They can also be used to manage pain that originates in the spine, which can cause pain in the neck, arms, legs, and buttocks.
These include:
- Cancer-associated pain
- Severe facial pain, as with trigeminal neuralgia
- Migraines
- Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Chronic-pain syndromes
- Degenerative arthritis
- Degenerative disc or herniated disc
As part of your initial consultation, Dr. Kulick takes time to understand the underlying causes of your pain and discusses potential treatments for relief, including a nerve block.
For your expert consultation regarding whether a nerve block is right for you, call or book an appointment online with Dr. Kulick today.
