PAIN BLOCKS
Treatments
Carpal Tunnel Nerve Block
Celiac Plexus Nerve Block
Cervical Medial Branch Block
Diagnostic Nerve Block
Facet Joint Injections
Genicular Nerve Block
Intercostal Nerve Blocks for Shingles Pain
Lumbar Medial Branch Block
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Medial Branch Block
Nerve Blocks
Nerve Root Block
Occipital Nerve Block
Peripheral Nerve Block
Selective Nerve Root Block
Stellate Ganglion Block
Thoracic Medial Branch Block
Sacroiliac Joint Injection
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
overview
What are Pain Blocks?
Pain blocks offer targeted relief for various pain conditions affecting different body parts. These procedures involve the injection of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medications near the nerves associated with the source of pain.
They are commonly used in managing pain related to the spine, nerves, and joints, among other areas.
Interventional pain management specialists like Dr. Justin Thompson at Foundation Pain & Spine use these treatments to provide patients with significant relief and an improved quality of life.
Where On the Body can Pain Blocks Be Used?
Pain blocks can be used to manage pain in virtually all parts of the body. The versatility of pain block techniques means they can be adapted for a wide range of pain conditions and locations, providing targeted relief and improving the quality of life for patients with chronic pain. Key examples of pain blocks include the following:
- Spinal and Epidural Blocks: These are used for pain in the back, neck, and limbs, including conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and chronic sciatica.
- Joint Injections: Used for pain in the knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints, addressing conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Nerve Blocks: These can target specific peripheral nerves or nerve plexuses to manage pain in the limbs, head, and face, including treatments for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, and migraines.
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks: For pain that involves the sympathetic nervous system, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), affecting limbs or other body regions.
- Trigger Point Injections: Target muscle groups in various parts of the body to treat myofascial pain syndrome, which can occur anywhere in the body.
How does Pain Blocks Work with other Treatments?
Interventional pain management often involves a multimodal approach, combining pain blocks with other treatments to maximize pain relief and functionality. These can include:
- Physical Therapy: To improve mobility and strength.
- Medication Management: Utilizing anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants as complementary therapies.
- Behavioral Therapy: To help manage the psychological impact of chronic pain.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Including diet and exercise changes to improve overall health.
- Regenerative Medicine: To help accelerate the body’s healing ability using a person’s own platelets.
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How Effective are
Pain Blocks and How
Long is the Relief?
During the pain block procedure, medication is directly injected to the nerves transmitting pain signals. Pain blocks can significantly reduce discomfort and improve patients’ quality of life and the relief can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the type of pain block and patient health factors.
Short-term Relief
Some blocks, like nerve root blocks or trigger point injections, offer immediate pain relief that can last from a few weeks to a few months, serving as a bridge to more permanent solutions or as part of a broader pain management strategy.
Long-term Management
Procedures such as epidural steroid injections and sympathetic nerve blocks may have longer-lasting effects, especially when combined with other treatments like physical therapy or medication management.
