Nerve block injections are a minimally invasive treatment that can relieve pain from conditions like arthritis, sciatica, joint pain, and nerve injuries. Dr. Dipan Patel, our double board-certified interventional pain physician, specializes in these precise injections, helping you find relief, improve mobility, and determine the source of your pain without major surgery.
Block Pain Signals and
Diagnose the Root Cause
Nerve block injections are targeted treatments that reduce or temporarily stop pain signals traveling through specific nerves. During the procedure, medication is carefully delivered near a nerve or group of nerves, numbing the affected area. These injections can both relieve pain and help diagnose its exact source. They are commonly used for conditions such as back pain, joint pain, nerve-related pain, and chronic conditions. By interrupting pain pathways, nerve blocks provide quick relief and guide the best course of future treatment.
Benefits of Nerve Block Injections:
- Provide quick pain relief by blocking nerve signals directly at the source
- Help diagnose the exact origin of pain for more targeted treatment
- Improve mobility and function by reducing discomfort during daily activities
- Minimally invasive treatment option with little to no downtime
- Allow you to resume work, exercise, and normal routines quickly
- Reduce or eliminate the need for stronger medications, including opioids
- Can guide decisions about long-term treatments like radiofrequency ablation
What Do Nerve Block Injections Treat/Diagnose?
Nerve block injections are used to both relieve pain and identify its source. By delivering medication near specific nerves, they temporarily interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. This makes them highly effective for managing ongoing discomfort and for pinpointing which nerve or region is responsible for your symptoms.
These injections may be used to treat or diagnose the root cause of symptoms such as:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Joint pain, including post-surgical pain
- Nerve-related pain from herniated discs or spinal conditions
- Pain linked to arthritis, shingles, or cancer
- Headaches or migraines triggered by nerve irritation
- Phantom limb pain following amputation
How Long Does Pain Relief From a Nerve Block Last?
The duration of relief varies depending on the type of nerve block and the condition being treated. A diagnostic nerve block may last only a few hours to a few days, which helps your doctor confirm the source of pain. Therapeutic nerve blocks, especially those that include corticosteroids, can provide relief for several weeks or even months.
Types of Nerve Block Injections
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
A lumbar sympathetic block is often used to treat complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) affecting the legs or feet. This procedure targets the sympathetic nerves located in the lower back, which are responsible for transmitting pain. By injecting an anesthetic near these nerves, the block helps interrupt abnormal pain signals and can improve circulation. In many cases, lumbar sympathetic blocks are also used to confirm the diagnosis of CRPS.
Stellate Ganglion Block
A stellate ganglion block is performed to address sympathetic nerve dysfunction in the head, neck, upper chest, or arms. The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves that can contribute to chronic pain, blood circulation issues, and conditions such as CRPS of the upper extremities. By placing medication around this nerve bundle, your provider can calm overactive nerve activity and reduce pain, swelling, or abnormal sweating.
Genicular Nerve Block
A genicular nerve block targets the small sensory nerves surrounding the knee joint, known as the genicular nerves. These nerves transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain, which can become overwhelming in conditions like osteoarthritis or after knee replacement surgery. By injecting anesthetic around these nerves, the block provides pain relief and helps determine if longer-lasting treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, would be beneficial.
Can Nerve Block Injections Be Repeated?
Yes, nerve block injections can be repeated if they provide effective relief but your pain comes back. How often you may need them depends on factors such as your diagnosis, overall health, and how well you responded to earlier treatments. For some, nerve blocks act as a temporary solution; for others, they are incorporated into a broader, long-term pain management plan that may also include physical therapy, exercise, or lifestyle modifications.
Why Choose Dr. Patel for Nerve Block Injections?
Dr. Dipan Patel is a double board-certified interventional pain physician with advanced fellowship training at NYU Langone. He specializes in minimally invasive treatments, such as nerve block injections, to help you find lasting relief from pain. With expertise in diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions, Dr. Patel provides personalized care tailored to your needs. Don’t let chronic pain control your daily activities: schedule your consultation for nerve block injections in Morris County, NJ, today.
