Nerve Blocks
What is a nerve block?
A nerve block is an injection of a local anesthetic or other agents into or around a nerve or a group of nerves to block pain signals from that specific area. The goal of a nerve block is to provide temporary relief from pain and, in some cases, to help diagnose the source of pain.Â
Nerves function like cables transmitting electrical signals between your brain and the rest of your body, facilitating sensations (such as touch and pain) and muscle movement. They also play a role in vital functions like breathing, sweating, and digestion. Nerve blocks primarily target pain signaling but can impact other nerve functions.
While the injection’s effects are typically swift, nerve blocks are generally a short-term solution. The effectiveness varies among individuals, with some benefiting from a single injection and others requiring multiple sessions. Some individuals may not experience any effects from the block, necessitating alternative treatment approaches to address their symptoms.
How will I know if it will help?
A changepain physician needs to assess you first and will recommend the iSITES program if he or she thinks it may help you. The physician will need to select specific iSITES procedures based on your pain condition.
How much does it cost?
Nerve blocks are covered by MSP; there is no cost to patients for injections involving saline, dextrose, or local anesthetic. If steroid is required, changepain reception sells dexamethasone and triamcinolone for $22.00 per vial. For all other injectates, the doctor will provide a prescription for you to pick up and bring to the clinic.
Nerve Block FAQs
The purpose of a nerve block is to temporarily interrupt or block nerve signals to alleviate pain or specific symptoms in a targeted part of the body. A nerve block offers relief from pain and aids in managing diverse medical conditions.
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Therapeutic purposes: These nerve blocks aim to provide temporary pain relief by potentially reducing inflammation or interrupting the pain cycle, allowing nerves to experience relief from pain
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Diagnostic purposes: A diagnostic injection is designed to find out what areas are causing your pain. Typically, your doctor will inject a local anaesthetic into a very specific area. The local anaesthetic is like dental freezing. If the injection reduces your pain, then we know the area injected is likely contributing to your pain. If you do not feel pain relief, then that area is likely not contributing to your pain. A patient who responds will have some pain relief within 12 hours of the injection. We may need to do more than one diagnostic injection to find a source of your pain.Â
A diagnostic injection is designed to find out what areas are causing your pain. Typically, your doctor will inject a local anaesthetic into a very specific area. The local anaesthetic is like dental freezing. If the injection reduces your pain, then we know the area injected is likely contributing to your pain. If you do not feel pain relief, then that area is likely not contributing to your pain. A patient who responds will have some pain relief within 12 hours of the injection. We may need to do more than one diagnostic injection to find a source of your pain.Â
For diagnostic injections, we only expect relief to last a few hours if you respond positively. Even if you have less that 100% pain relief, it still may be a positive response. Also, if your pain does not change, but your function improves, this may also be a positive response. It is very important that you keep track of how each injection affects your pain and function. You will be given a pain diary to keep track of your pain after an injection and your doctor will ask you about the results at your next appointment.
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If we find an injection that is helpful for you, your doctor may consider repeating the injection with medications that provide longer pain relief. Your physician will discuss which medications are appropriate for you, given your medical history. Â
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Chronic pain is a difficult problem to resolve completely. You may need more treatments or a combination of other therapies to make the iSITES results the best they can be.
Your physician will discuss the specific risks with you during your appointment. General risks include:
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Risks of needling procedures:
- Minor: bleeding, bruising, nausea, fatigue, light headedness, soreness, and flare up.
- Major: vomiting, infection, nerve damage, and pneumothorax (punctured lung). These risks are rare.
Medication risks:
- Minor: changes in blood pressure, light headedness, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ear, itching, and headache.
- Major: slurred speech, arrythmia, tremors, and seizures. These risks are rare.
Allergic reactions to medications are possible. The side effects may include swelling, redness, rashes, hives, shortness of breath, confusion, twitching, pain, and weakness.
Ask your Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner for a referral to have a consultation with one of our Pain Specialists.
GALLERY
