Nerve Blocks:

Studies have shown nerve blocks to be very effective in relieving pain from multiple causes. When combined with medications and physical therapy, nerve blocks are often very effective in treating neck, upper and lower back pain, shoulder and joint pains, shingles, headaches and cancer pains.

Nerve blocks are usually easy to perform and help quite quickly. They are nothing more than placing a potent anti-inflammatory medication, combined with a local anesthetic, directly on a nerve that is causing pain. Pain is usually caused by a nerve that is irritated or inflamed by trauma etc. By placing a potent anti-inflammatory on the nerve that is causing the pain, hopefully that nerve will heal much more rapidly causing a reduction in pain. Oral anti-inflammatories have been the cornerstone for treatment, but these become diluted in the blood stream and go to all parts of the body usually in decreased concentration that are needed to heal the nerves. By directly placing this medication on the nerve, we avoid the problems associated with giving medications by mouth, including upset stomachs, etc.

Anatomy must be fully understood by the pain specialist performing these blocks. The real skill comes in knowing which nerves are causing your pain and then placing the medication on those nerves. The anatomy must be understood to avoid any possible complications that may arise. When performed by a trained physician, nerve blocks carry very few risks.

Nerve blocks alone are effective in reducing pain but then begins the hard job of rehabilitation to continue the relief. It is important for patients to begin an intensive physical therapy/ exercise/ rehab program to strengthen the areas that were weakened and causing pain so that the pain does not reoccur. This, along with utilizing certain medications to treat other pains, cramps, etc., is one of the most effective methods in the treatment of pain.