What are nerve blocks?
A nerve block is an ejection of local anesthetic and/steroid that interrupts nerve signals resulting in reduction of pain. Nerve blocks are therefore performed in the region of the body above the pain generator resides in order to decrease that specific area related to the pain. Examples of nerve blocks include:
Occipital Nerve Blocks - performed around the occipital nerves at the back of the head to receive some types of occipital headaches.
Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks - performed win the back and around the spine to relieve pain in the lower extremities that are modulated by the sympathetic nerve system.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks - these are performed in the upper extremities to relieve pain in the shoulders, arm, hands or in the the lower extremities to relieve pain in the knees, legs and feet.
Nerve blocks are done generally without sedation and sometimes with ultrasound or x-rays guidance for needle placement. They provide pain relief that lasts for months if effective.
Contradictions to nerve blocks include:
Patients on blood thinners or anticoagulants
Patients who are allergic to local anesthetics
Patients with active infections