A nerve block is a procedure designed to block pain signals traveling from one or more nerves directly into the brain. Usually it involves injecting local anesthetic along with corticosteroid medication in order to reduce inflammation and numb the nerve.

Nerve blocks can serve several purposes:

• Diagnostic: Helps pinpoint the exact nerve responsible for your pain.
• Therapeutic: Provides pain relief by calming irritated or compressed nerves.
• Prognostic: Helps predict how effective a more permanent intervention (like surgery or ablation) might be.
• Preemptive: Reduces post-operative pain by blocking pain before it starts.

These injections are frequently utilized as part of pain management protocols to increase mobility, lower opioid dependency and enhance daily function.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are versatile and effective tools for relieving pain associated with many medical conditions, including:

Sciatica and Lumbar Radiculopathy

If the nerve root in your back becomes compressed or inflamed - often due to a herniated disc or bone spur - sciatic pain will radiate down the leg, quickly becoming unbearable. A lumbar nerve block is an effective solution that can quickly relieve this discomfort.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

Chronic joint inflammation in joints like spine, shoulders and knees can be significantly decreased through targeted nerve blocks that enable better movement with reduced stiffness.

Neck Pain and Cervical Spine Disorders

Cervical nerve blocks are used to manage chronic neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis, or whiplash injuries.

Chronic Migraines and Occipital Neuralgia

Occipital nerve blocks may provide relief to individuals suffering from migraines or headaches which originate in the upper neck or base of skull.

Postoperative Pain Management

Following certain surgeries, nerve blocks can be used to control pain more effectively than opioids, reducing side effects and facilitating faster recovery.

What to Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure

Consultation and Imaging

Before any procedure, your primary care doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies (X-ray, CT, or MRI) to locate the source of pain.

Positioning and Prep

Your injection site will be cleaned and numbed using topical anesthetic before being comfortably positioned either lying down or sitting as necessary.

Image-Guided Injection

Under ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will carefully insert a thin needle near a nerve and slowly inject medication over several seconds.

Post-Procedure Monitoring

After the injection, you’ll be monitored for a short period. Many patients experience immediate relief, while for others, the full benefit may take a few days.

Follow-Up Plan

Your response to an injection helps determine the next steps - be they additional treatments, rehab or referral for other types of care.

Risks and Considerations

Nerve blocks are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they carry minor risks:

• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Infection at the injection site (rare)
• Bleeding or bruising
• Mild soreness post-injection

Your doctor will assess your overall health, allergies, and medication use before proceeding to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Regain Control of Your Life at Remix Medical

Chronic pain should never dictate your life. Nerve block injections offer an efficient non-invasive solution to managing pain without surgery; our experienced team is ready to create a tailored treatment plan to get you moving again.

Call today or schedule your consultation with a knowledgeable doctor in Houston, TX and take the first step toward a pain-free future.