Nerve Block Injection in Dallas

What is a Nerve Block Injection?

A nerve block injection is a treatment designed to provide localized relief for pain conditions affecting specific nerves or areas of the body. These injections are commonly used to manage pain in the spine, nerves, or joints. They are often recommended for conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, or nerve-related pain. Nerve blocks are typically performed by pain management specialists to minimize any possible side effects and complications.

How Do Nerve Blocks Work?

A nerve block works by interrupting pain signals traveling from a specific nerve or group of nerves to the brain. When a nerve block injection is administered, it delivers a combination of anesthetic and, sometimes, anti-inflammatory medication directly to the nerve area. The anesthetic almost instantly numbs the nerve, providing relief, while the anti-inflammatory reduces swelling or irritation in the long run.

This process helps stop the “pain messages” that the nerve sends, making pain block injections an effective option for managing conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, or nerve-related issues. Pain blocks are especially useful for targeting localized pain, such as in the back, neck, or joints. The effects can last from a few hours to several months, depending on the type of block and the condition being treated, as well as the body’s personal response to treatment.

Types of Nerve Blocks

There are many types of nerve blocks, here are just a few examples:

Spinal and Epidural Nerve Blocks

These are used for pain in the back, neck, and limbs, targeting conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and chronic sciatica. An epidural nerve block is particularly effective for back pain.

Lumbar Nerve Block

Specifically targeting the lower back, this nerve block is often used to manage chronic lower back pain.

Nerve Block Injections

These focus on specific peripheral nerves to manage pain in areas like the arms, legs, or face. For example, a trigeminal nerve block is ideal for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Used to ease pain involving the sympathetic nervous system, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which affects the limbs and other parts of the body.

Trigger Point Injections

These target tight muscle knots that can cause pain in various parts of the body, treating conditions like myofascial pain syndrome.

Conditions Treated with Nerve Block Injections

Nerve block injections are a reliable treatment option for managing pain caused by a wide range of conditions. These injections target specific nerves to block pain signals, offering relief. They are often used for both acute and chronic pain, making them a good option in pain management for various parts of the body.

Nerve Block for Back Pain Treatment

Back pain can result from numerous issues like herniated discs, arthritis, or nerve compression, making even the easiest everyday activities difficult. A nerve block, such as a spinal block pain treatment, works by delivering medication directly to the nerves causing the pain. This helps block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing quick relief and reducing inflammation. It’s a reliable option for managing chronic back pain and improving mobility, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.

How does Nerve Block for Sciatica Work

Sciatica causes pain, numbness, or tingling sensation that radiates from the lower back down through the legs, often due to pressure on the sciatic nerve. A pain block injection helps ease this pain by targeting the irritated nerve with medication to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. This block for pain provides fast, localized relief, allowing the nerve to heal. It’s a great option for those looking to manage sciatica symptoms without more invasive procedures like surgery.

Permanent Nerve Block for Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain, often caused by arthritis or injury, can make daily activities uncomfortable and even straight up painful. A nerve blocker injection is a treatment option that targets the nerves around the knee to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This helps improve quality of life by easing discomfort and pain.

Nerve Block for Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain, usually triggered by simple activities like eating or talking. A nerve block targets the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for transmitting these pain signals. By injecting medication near the nerve, the block helps numb the area and interrupts pain signals, providing quick and effective relief. This treatment can significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of the pain, offering a much-needed break from this challenging condition.

Nerve Block Procedure Details

Here’s how the procedure looks like in general:

Consultation. Before the nerve block procedure, your healthcare provider at the pain management clinic will discuss your condition, the type of nerve block needed, and your specific treatment plan. This is important because the process may vary based on your needs.
Preparation. You’ll be positioned comfortably, and the area where the injection will be administered is cleaned. A numbing injection is typically given to eliminate any painful sensations during the procedure.
Imaging Guidance. For accuracy, imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to guide the placement of the nerve block needle.
Medication Delivery. Once the needle is correctly positioned, the doctor injects the anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, a nerve block catheter may be placed for continuous medication delivery over a longer period.
Monitoring and Aftercare. After the procedure, you’ll be observed briefly to see if everything went smoothly. Your doctor will provide instructions for post-procedure care and let you know what to expect regarding pain relief.

Be sure to discuss everything with your doctor, as the procedure may be different for different patients.

Recovery After Nerve Blocker Injection

Recovery after a pain block procedure is usually straightforward, but following a few simple tips can help you feel even better:

Rest. Take it easy for the rest of the day after the procedure. Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, or anything that might strain the treated area.
Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your body recover.
Apply Ice if Needed. If there’s mild soreness at the injection site, placing an ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help.
Avoid Driving. The numbing effect of the injection might impact your reflexes, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
Follow Instructions. Your doctor will provide specific aftercare guidelines. Be sure to follow them carefully.
Monitor Symptoms. It’s normal to feel some soreness at the injection site, but contact your doctor if you experience unusual redness, swelling, or persistent pain.

What Are the Benefits vs. Side Effects of a Nerve Block Procedure?

Benefits of a Nerve Block Procedure

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Targeted Pain Relief. A nerve block, such as an epidural pain block, delivers medication directly to the source of pain.

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Quick Results. Many patients feel pain relief almost immediately after the procedure.

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Restores Mobility. By reducing pain, a spinal pain block can help restore mobility.

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Non-Surgical Option. Nerve blocks are minimally invasive, making them a great alternative to surgery.

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Customizable. The treatment can be personalized to the specific nerve and condition.

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Can Be Long-Lasting. Depending on the type, nerve blocks can offer relief for weeks or even months.

Side Effects of a Nerve Block Procedure

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Temporary Numbness. You may experience numbness or weakness in the treated area.

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Soreness at Injection Site. Mild discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted is common.

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Infection Risk. Like with any invasive procedure, there’s a small chance of infection at the injection site.

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Allergic Reaction. Some individuals might react to the anesthetic or other medications used.

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Temporary Dizziness. A small number of people may feel lightheaded after the procedure.

Choose Us for Pain Block Procedure in Dallas, TX

Choose Foundation Pain & Spine Pain Management Clinic in Dallas, TX, for expert and genuine care. Led by Dr. Thompson, MD and Founder, our clinic specializes in fully personalized solutions to address chronic pain and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re considering a nerve block pain treatment for conditions like back pain, sciatica, or migraines, or in need of some advanced techniques like neuromodulation, Dr. Thompson and his experienced team are at your service.

At Foundation Pain & Spine, we prioritize your comfort and results, that’s why we never use a one-size-fits-all solution. Every treatment is personalized.So you’ll receive care designed to treat your unique pain. From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our goal is to help you achieve a more comfortable, pain-free life.

Ready to see how pain blocks can work for your unique case? Contact Foundation Pain & Spine Pain Management Clinic today to schedule your consultation!

Our Insurance Partners

At Foundation Pain & Spine, Dr. Thompson and his team are here to help patients find relief from pain. Effective pain relief starts with a pain specialist and Dr. Thompson is here for you.

What Clients Say About Us

      
   Foundation Pain & Spine PLLC
   52 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tom 
 2024-07-09
 
 
  Started seeing Justin with level 8 pain for decades. Was told major back surgery was my only option to relieve it. I am not a surgicsl candidate due to fatal allergy to anesthesia. Dr. Thompson put in an intrathecal pain pump using alternate anesthesia. My pain levels now are 5-6! Major relief. I now can walk shoet distances and make my way through the grocery store. I am so grateful.  He is attentive and listens to the patient and includes them in treatments.  Clinic staff is excellent also. I am blessed to have been referred to him.  Incredible clinic.
  
 
       
   Trish Cross 
 2024-05-03
 
 
  Very caring, understanding and professional.
  
 
       
   Paul Terrell 
 2024-04-12
 
 
  Excellent physician who truly care for the well being of his patients. He has gone out of his way to accommodate my everchanging needs on more than one occasion. Navigating life after an injury that left me disabled has been more than challenging but I am confident I will get through it with Dr Thompson in my corner.
  
 
       
   Renee Cooper 
 2023-10-20
 
 
  Dr. Thompson is the first doctor to manage my pain, he's a great doctor that actually listens and evaluate your opinions. My case is complicated but he's been a great help.
  
 
       
   Skyler Karins 
 2022-05-19
 
 
  Two weeks ago I was helping a family lay sod grass and the next day I started to experience hip, leg, and foot pain. I was just taking over the counter pain relief for 2 weeks, but the pain just continued to get worse. I scheduled an appointment and Dr. Thompson was able to see me the same day. He did a great job of assessing my pain and doing a thorough exam on where my pain might be generating from. He prescribed me two pain medications that have me feeling back to my normal self. Words can’t describe the happiness I feel to be back to normal. Thank you Dr. Thompson for helping me get back to a better quality of life.
  
 
       
   KidFink 13 
 2022-05-01
 
 
  Most of the reviews you see may not be authentic. The first appointment he seemed to care and listen to my problems being a paraplegic and my surgery I had coming up needing a pain doctor to take over my post surgery pain medication. He mentioned a procedure to look into that he could do also gave me a lower dosage of what I had been taking for the past 2 years so I was in agony for 15 days I went through 2 or 3 appointments each with a gap of 15 days and did not raise my dosage and sent me to get an MRI. There were a lot of people there to get procedures done I didn’t think much of it at first until I went back to talk about why he gave me an MRI.  Told me that I’m a good candidate and we should move forward with the procedure that I did not agree on. I said I am not comfortable with it and told me, that I am not a good match for his care and I should find someone else. Reminded him that I need a pain management doctor for surgery. Post surgery the doctors at the hospital tried to contact his office multiple times multiple days with no answer. So they had to send in a prescription and released me. I had to get in contact with him to finally get a script. So if you are having surgery and or not comfortable with going through a procedure I would not recommend because that’s all he does is procedures and does not like to prescribe pain medication when it says in his description that he does. I have my own opinion on why he only wants to do procedures but that’s not here nor there. I am only writing this as a warning for other people in my position. Wish you well and my have a better experience than I do.
  
 
       
   Ashley Grissom 
 2022-04-06
 
 
  It is a great office it's just very hard to get in contact with anybody by making an appointment or calling!

FAQs About Nerve Block Injection

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is an injection that targets specific nerves to interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain. It is commonly used to provide relief from chronic pain or to help diagnose the exact source of pain by temporarily blocking sensation in a particular area.

How Long Does a Nerve Block Last?

The duration of a nerve block depends on the type of block and the medication used. It can provide relief lasting from a few hours to several months. For diagnostic purposes, the effects are usually short-term, while therapeutic nerve blocks may offer longer-lasting relief.

What Happens If a Nerve Block Doesn’t Wear Off?

In rare cases, a nerve block may last longer than expected, possibly due to the body’s response to the medication. In such instances, the prolonged effect usually wears off gradually. Any unexpected issues should be discussed with your healthcare provider to ensure proper monitoring.

What To Do If a Nerve Block Does Not Work?

If a nerve block does not provide the expected relief, it may indicate that the targeted nerve is not the main source of pain, or that another approach may be needed. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments or further diagnostic procedures to identify the best path forward.

How Long Do Diagnostic Nerve Blocks Last?

Diagnostic nerve blocks are intended to have short-lasting effects, typically lasting a few hours to a day. They are used to help determine the specific area or source of pain, guiding further treatment decisions based on the results.

Author

Dr. Justin Thompson

Dr. Justin H. Thompson, MD, is the founder and CEO of Foundation Pain & Spine. A native Texan and graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dr. Thompson specializes in pain management. With advanced training from Baylor University and Virginia Commonwealth University, he offers innovative, personalized treatments to help patients overcome chronic pain and restore their quality of life.
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