When you’re dealing with chronic pain, finding the right pain management approach can make all the difference in your quality of life. One effective method is nerve blocks, which target specific nerves to provide relief.

What Are Nerve Blocks?

Nerve blocks involve injecting medication near a nerve to stop pain signals from reaching your brain. It can help relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis, back pain, or neuropathic pain. The medication used can be a local anesthetic, steroid, or a combination of both.

Types of Nerve Blocks

Here’s a look at the main types of nerve blocks and how they can help manage your pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used for back pain and sciatica. They involve injecting a steroid into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This can reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections target the small spine joints that can cause pain when they become inflamed. By injecting medication directly into these joints, you can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the lower back and neck.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks target nerves outside the spinal column. These injections are often used for pain in the arms, legs, or other extremities. Doctors can also use them to numb a specific area during surgery, which provides pain relief and helps with recovery.

Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Sympathetic nerve blocks target nerves that control body functions like blood flow and sweating. These blocks are often used for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and may help alleviate severe pain and improve circulation.

Benefits of Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks can provide significant pain relief and improve your ability to engage in daily activities. They can also be a useful diagnostic tool to determine the source of your pain. For many people, nerve blocks offer a non-surgical solution to manage their pain effectively.

Schedule a Pain Management Consultation in Texas

At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, we specialize in various pain management techniques, including nerve blocks, to help you find relief from chronic pain. If you’re considering nerve blocks or want to schedule an appointment, contact us at 210-920-8945. We have offices in Boerne, Kerrville, and San Antonio.