Insight Pain Management – Chronic pain is debilitating and affects almost every aspect of a person’s life, both physically and mentally. Many people suffering from chronic pain struggle for years to find a treatment that provides meaningful relief. Nerve blocks are one solution that have been particularly effective in helping people manage chronic pain and improve their quality of life. Whether your pain is from arthritis, trauma, neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or postoperative, nerve blocks may be the solutions you’re looking for. The following are some of the top ways nerve blocks are helping people living with chronic pain, including how they work and their benefits.
Focused Pain Relief
One of the reasons nerve blocks work so well is their ability to target the source of your pain. Traditional pain medications only work systematically and are unable to provide targeted relief. Nerve blocks work by using a needle to inject a local anesthetic, steroids, or neurolytic agents into the specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals to your brain. Following the procedure, patients should notice immediate relief where it is needed most, such as the lower back, shoulder, or knee.
Less Dependence on Medications
People with chronic pain typically rely on pain medications, including prescription opioids, which can become addictive and build tolerance when used regularly. Because nerve blocks target the source of the pain and provide immediate relief, most patients are able to reduce dependence on or even eliminate the need for pain medications.
Restore Mobility
Chronic pain often impedes mobility and daily activities over time. Nerve blocks help to restore functionality in the areas impacted by pain, allowing patients to return to an active lifestyle and improve both physically and mentally.
Part of a Pain Management Plan
Nerve blocks are highly effective and provide fast relief to people experiencing chronic pain by treating the pain at its source. However, they are only part of a comprehensive plan that may also include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, mental health, and other resources that are used to help patients get the most out of their treatment.
Diagnose Complex Conditions
Although nerve blocks are used to treat chronic pain, they are also used to diagnose complex conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. By temporarily numbing specific nerves, pain specialists are often able to identify the source of the pain and provide long-term solutions using nerve blocks.
Minimally Invasive
Nerve blocks are a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, which means no hospital stays, pain, or long-term recovery. A local anesthetic and steroid are often combined and injected near the targeted nerve. The procedure takes about 10 minutes to perform and results are usually noticed within 30 minutes. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the same day as the procedure.
Improved Mental Wellness
Chronic pain takes a toll on both our physical and mental health. People managing persistent pain often experience anxiety, depression, and other challenges that can impact mental well-being. By addressing pain at its source and providing lasting relief, nerve blocks can have a profound effect that helps patients feel more in control of their lives and provides a sense of hope.
Long-Term Relief
Everyone responds to pain differently and nerve blocks can have varying results. However, most patients will experience long-term relief after the procedure that can last for weeks or even months. This extended relief provides a much-needed respite from persistent pain and discomfort so you can focus on other aspects of recovery, such as physical therapy.
If you are one of the millions of people in the United States living with chronic pain on a daily basis, nerve blocks may be the right solution for you. Nerve blocks are safe, highly effective, and offer a targeted approach that gets to the source of your pain so you can improve your quality of life. Insight Pain Management specializes in helping people find effective solutions for chronic pain. If you think you could benefit from nerve blocks or would like to learn more, contact us today to schedule a consultation with a pain specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Nerve Block?
A: A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat chronic pain by injecting an anesthetic or steroid near a targeted set of nerves. Once an injection takes place, the nerve block begins interrupting pain signals sent by the affected nerves to the brain and the patient experiences relief.
Q: What are some conditions that can be treated with nerve blocks?
A: Nerve blocks are used to treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), migraines, and post-surgical pain.
Q: How long do nerve blocks last?
A: Although nerve blocks do not cure pain, they can provide relief ranging from several weeks to months. Repeated treatments may be recommended for ongoing pain management.