For individuals dealing with chronic pain, can undergoing a nerve block procedure help alleviate and manage symptoms?
Table of Contents
A nerve block is a procedure done to interrupt/block pain signals due to nerve dysfunction or injury. They can be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes, and their effects can be short or long-term, depending on the type being used.
When healthcare providers diagnose a chronic pain condition caused by nerve injury or dysfunction, they may use a nerve block to locate the area generating pain signals. They may perform electromyography and/or a nerve conduction velocity/NCV test to pinpoint the cause of chronic nerve pain. Nerve blocks can also treat chronic neuropathic pain, such as pain caused by nerve damage or compression. Nerve blocks are regularly used to treat back and neck pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024)
Three types include:
All three can be used for conditions that cause chronic pain. However, neurolytic and surgical blocks are permanent and are only used for severe pain that has worsened with other treatments unable to provide relief.
They can be administered in most body areas, including: (Hospital for Special Surgery. 2023) (Stanford Medicine. 2024)
These procedures can have the potential risk of permanent nerve damage. (Anthem BlueCross. 2023) Nerves are sensitive and regenerate slowly, so a tiny error can cause side effects. (D O’Flaherty et al., 2018) Common side effects include:
Individuals should consult with a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits to ensure it is the right treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Nerve blocks. (Health, Issue. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nerve-blocks
NYU Langone Health. (2023). Nerve block for migraine (Education and Research, Issue. nyulangone.org/conditions/migraine/treatments/nerve-block-for-migraine
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Pain. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain#3084_9
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Chronic pancreatitis treatment (Health, Issue. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/chronic-pancreatitis/chronic-pancreatitis-treatment
Cappellari, A. M., Tiberio, F., Alicandro, G., Spagnoli, D., & Grimoldi, N. (2018). Intercostal Neurolysis for The Treatment of Postsurgical Thoracic Pain: a Case Series. Muscle & nerve, 58(5), 671–675. doi.org/10.1002/mus.26298
Choi, E. J., Choi, Y. M., Jang, E. J., Kim, J. Y., Kim, T. K., & Kim, K. H. (2016). Neural Ablation and Regeneration in Pain Practice. The Korean journal of pain, 29(1), 3–11. doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2016.29.1.3
Hospital for Special Surgery. (2023). Regional anesthesia. www.hss.edu/condition-list_regional-anesthesia.asp
Stanford Medicine. (2024). Types of nerve blocks (For Patients, Issue. med.stanford.edu/ra-apm/for-patients/nerve-block-types.html
Anthem BlueCross. (2023). Peripheral nerve blocks for treatment of neuropathic pain. (Medical Policy, Issue. www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/policies/mp_pw_c181196.html
O’Flaherty, D., McCartney, C. J. L., & Ng, S. C. (2018). Nerve injury after peripheral nerve blockade-current understanding and guidelines. BJA education, 18(12), 384–390. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjae.2018.09.004
Stanford Medicine. (2024). Common patient questions about nerve blocks. (For Patients, Issue. med.stanford.edu/ra-apm/for-patients/nerve-block-questions.html
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The information herein on "Understanding Nerve Blocks: Diagnosing and Treating Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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