Am I a Candidate for a Nerve Block Procedure?

Most cases of ongoing musculoskeletal discomfort—whether tension in the neck, muscle spasms in the lower back, or frequent headaches—often show considerable improvement with first-line treatment strategies. These include rest, modifying activities, applying hot or cold compresses, engaging in physical therapy (PT), and using non-prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

But when conventional treatments don't provide lasting relief, it's time to explore more advanced care, such as a nerve block. Charles Ripp, MD, and Fran Gorman, DNP, at Gorman Medical, PC, with offices in Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek, Colorado, have helped countless patients reclaim an active lifestyle with nerve blocks. 

Here’s what they want you to know about this game-changing pain solution.

Targeting pain with a nerve block

A nerve block interrupts pain signals traveling from a specific nerve or group of nerves to the brain. When these signals can't reach the central nervous system, you experience substantial and prolonged pain relief.

Here’s what this minimally invasive procedure typically involves:

• The injection site is numbed with a topical anesthetic.
• For severe pain or anxiety, you might receive intravenous (IV) sedation to enhance comfort during the procedure.
• Using advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray) enables your provider to precisely guide the injection to the problematic nerve area.
• Depending on your specific pain condition, you may receive a single injection or several.
• The entire procedure typically takes 15 minutes or less.

Nerve block injections contain a fast-acting local anesthetic to quickly reduce pain and a longer-acting anti-inflammatory steroid medication. This combination aims to provide rapid relief from severe chronic pain, with effects that can last for several weeks.

Conditions that may benefit from a nerve block

A nerve block can be an excellent option when chronic pain hasn't improved after several weeks of initial care strategies such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. These quick, minimally invasive injections can offer effective relief for a variety of pain conditions, including:

• Back and neck pain, often due to a herniated disc
• Pain from a pinched nerve (radiculopathy)
• Worsening joint discomfort, such as from osteoarthritis
• Pain related to sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.
• Recurring headaches or migraines
• Pain following surgery or linked to cancer
• Pain resulting from auto accidents or personal injuries
• Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage).
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Nerve blocks are often recommended when chronic pain is physically limiting or severe enough to hinder progress in physical therapy. 

When we might recommend a nerve block

The primary benefits of a nerve block are its immediate effect and sustained duration: the anesthetic works quickly, and the anti-inflammatory medication provides ongoing relief for days or even weeks. You might be a candidate for this procedure if:

• You are experiencing one of the chronic pain conditions listed above.
• Your pain has persisted despite weeks of conservative treatments.
• You wish to participate in physical therapy and avoid surgery.

Nerve blocks can also help pinpoint the exact origin of your pain. By injecting anti-inflammatory medication into a specific area, we can observe its effect, which then helps us better target and treat the nerves contributing to your ongoing discomfort.

When you're living with chronic pain, your primary goal is relief. To learn whether a nerve block may be right for you, Call our nearest office or use the online form to schedule an appointment today.