Solving pain is our mission here at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia. Our services include many innovative treatments designed to do just that without invasive surgery.
Nerve blocks are one of the tools we may utilize to reach that goal, whether your pain is due to injury, surgery, or a chronic condition. Read more details from our team about how nerve blocks work and who might be a candidate for this procedure.
A nerve block is a procedure during which your IPRMS provider injects an anesthetic near a specific nerve or nerve group to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. The injection can also include an anti-inflammatory, such as a corticosteroid, to soothe nerves irritated by inflammation.
There are several types of nerve blocks, including:
The type of nerve block your IPRMS provider recommends often depends on the underlying condition, previous pain treatments, and your overall health. An epidural, for instance, is frequently used to eliminate pain during labor and childbirth.
Your provider may recommend a nerve block for:
Our IPRMS team may also suggest a diagnostic nerve block to ensure long-term pain relief treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to target the appropriate nerve. Pain relief from RFA can last for months to years.
Treatment strategies at IPRMS are tailored to your needs and begin with a thorough evaluation.
Based on exam results, your provider may recommend a nerve block for individuals with chronic or acute pain that hasn’t responded adequately to physical therapy, medication, or other conservative therapies.
Other reasons to consider a nerve block include:
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for nerve blocks. For instance, we may need to explore alternative pain management strategies for individuals with active infections, bleeding disorders, or allergies to anesthetic medications.
Nerve blocks are in-office treatments that are relatively quick and generally well tolerated. After thoroughly cleansing the site, your provider may use a topical anesthetic to minimize discomfort from the injection.
We also use advanced imaging technology to guide the needle and ensure accurate placement. Your physician then administers the anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication near the targeted nerve.
We’ll observe you for about 30 minutes to ensure you’re not experiencing unexpected reactions as the medication takes effect. Aftercare is minimal other than monitoring the injection site as directed for redness, warmth, or other signs of infection.
You don’t have to live with chronic or acute pain. Call IPRMS at (571)732-0044 today to schedule an evaluation.
