Nerve blocks are common procedures used to treat pain by numbing a specific body part. It is performed by a specialist who injects an anesthetic agent into your nerve root to minimize or eliminate pain. Nerve blocks can restore movement, relieve pain and prevent further injury. They are also sometimes used to treat headaches after brain surgery. This treatment might be your best option if you struggle with persistent nerve pain. Talk to a Humble nerve blocks specialist to learn how it works and what to expect during each procedure. Here are five types of nerve blocks that may help eliminate pain in any part of your body.
- Upper Extremity Nerve Blocks
After a surgical procedure on your abdomen or chest, you may require an injection to help numb the pain you are experiencing. These nerve blocks do not affect the functionality of your arms and legs. For an effective relief, your doctor might inject the nerve block close to the spine or on the abdomen. The upper extremity nerve blocks can be given as a single injection or through a catheter to control the pain better.
- Continuous Nerve Blocks
A continuous nerve block usually helps numb pain you might experience after shoulder surgery or lower extremity procedures. Your doctor places a catheter near the nerves and connects it to a pump to numb the affected area for two to three days.
Before returning home, they will connect the catheter to a portable fusion pump. Afterward, your doctor will provide instructions on carefully caring for and removing the catheter while at home. It is always best to supplement your continuous nerve block treatment with pain-relieving drugs for effective results.
- Lower Extremity Nerve Blocks
Before and after a surgical procedure on your lower limbs, such as legs, thighs, ankles, toes, feet, and knees, you might require one or two nerve blocks. These nerve blocks might vary depending on the area that needs treatment after or before surgery. After receiving the nerve block, you might experience numbness in the treated area that might wear off with time
- Neck and Back Nerve Blocks
A spinal surgery might result in neck or back pains. However, you can effectively numb the pain with the neck and back nerve blocks without needing pain-relieving drugs. Your doctor can administer these nerve blocks through your neck, back, ribs and bottom.
You might experience redness or numbness in the injected area for a few hours. Talk with your doctor to determine whether you can benefit from this treatment and the possible side effects you might experience.
- Paravertebral Nerve Blocks
Paravertebral nerve block helps to relieve pain in the lower back by using a local anesthetic injection and opioid drugs. Our doctor injects these blocks into your spinal column at the level where you experience pain.
Talking with your doctor before getting this procedure is important because it usually causes major side effects. They can also recommend managing these side effects to prevent them from worsening.
Are you struggling with chronic pain after a surgical procedure? Contact Interventional Sports and Pain Management Associates to get a suitable nerve block treatment for your condition. Through the team of nerve blocks specialists, you can get long-lasting pain relief and improve your body’s functionalities. Call today or schedule an appointment to learn more about the benefits of nerve blocks.