What Is a Nerve Block for Pain Relief?

Chronic pain has a more than 20% prevalence among United States adults. People's pain varies, from mild nuisances to the type that keeps you in bed all day. If you're in serious need of some relief, it's time to take drastic measures. Thankfully, there are several medical procedures that you can look into.

Nerve blocks are some of the most promising forms of pain relief you can look into. Keep reading so that you can explore nerve block treatment, its benefits and side effects, and what you should know about the procedure.

What Is a Nerve Block

Patients explore nerve blocks to help with any pain that they're experiencing.

Nerve block refers to an injection that numbs and reduces pain and discomfort. The block targets the nerve group located central to your pain areas. Sometimes you spell opportunity right

These injections work similarly to anesthesia and are specifically formulated for different types of pain relief. For example, a person with pain in their back or neck might target the cervical epidural or lumbar epidural nerve. You would get a nerve blocker that targets your maxillary nerve if you're having intense jaw pain. Doctors and specialists provide these injections during surgery or as a pain relief regimen to prevent surgery or other more severe measures.

What Are the Benefits of Nerve Blocks?

Blocks for pain relief come with a host of benefits. They target different types of pain effectively and can be tailored to whatever issues you're dealing with.

Here are some of the advantages of nerve blocks:

• The temporary pain relief benefits are effective
• It's minimally invasive when compared to surgical procedures
• They're safe and don't pose significant risks
• You can dull the pain while allowing your nerves to heal
• It increases your range of motion and ability to function

Keep these benefits in mind as you see the help of pros that offer these procedures.

What Are the Different Nerve Block Types?

Next, take the time to consider the different types of nerve blocks around. In the majority of these procedures, patients receive a nerve block injection at the site in order to target specific areas.

Some of the main types of nerve blocks that you might look into include:

• Peripheral nerve blockade
• Spinal Anesthesia
• Spinal anesthesia
• Rhizotomy
• Sympathetic blockade
• Neurectomy
• Epidural analgesia

These nerve blocks are installed in different areas of your spine or body and will affect various organ systems. Make sure that you understand the procedure before moving forward.

How Can You Get a Nerve Block

If you're going to get a nerve block, you need to embrace the process and seek the help of the best pros. The more informed you are on the procedure, the easier time you'll have advocating for yourself as a patient and communicating your pain issues to your doctor.

Start with these tips:

Consult With a Medical Professional

Only allow a licensed and insured medical professional to inject you with any sort of nerve blocker.

The medical professional will discuss the different issues that you're dealing with and let you know the best course of action. Certain injections might be best for back pain, while others are helpful for chronic arthritis. Prior to administering an injection, your doctor may find that there are better alternatives to try out, such as physical therapy, exercise, and nitrous oxide treatments.

Before moving forward with injections, they'll also explain any nerve block side effects, such as:

• Unexpected weight gain
• A boost in energy and hyperactivity
• Higher blood sugar levels
• Itching and skin irritation
• Rash and redness
• Bleeding
• Soreness from the injection

Once you're aware of these side effects and have a professional completely explain them to you, decide how you'd like to proceed, and book an appointment.

Check With Your Medical Insurance

When you book an appointment, the medical professional will take your insurance information so you can file a claim. Choose a medical professional that accepts your insurance policy, and find out upfront how much these injections will cost you.

The doctor will let you know how many injections they need to administer and will explain the exact type of medication used. Figure out if you need to pay a co-pay, learn your deductible, and ensure that your policy is valid and active before moving forward.

Undergo the Procedure

Once your insurance information is on track and you feel comfortable with the procedure, the doctor will schedule an appointment. Make sure that you take the rest of the day off from work and give yourself some time to take it easy and recover.

Even if you don't have any serious side effects or complications, you may experience bouts of numbness that make it difficult for you to engage in everyday activities. Follow up with a doctor or pain relief clinic afterward to let them know any progress and whether a higher or lower dose is needed next time.

Nerve Block 101

These tips will help you when you're dealing with pain and want some relief. This is a procedure you can try out for any kind of pain you're dealing with, so waste no time finding the help of some pros that can assist you.

Let AZ Pain Doctors explain our many different remedies for people needing relief. We serve customers in Glendale, Sun City, Phoenix, and a host of other areas. Take the time to schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (602)795-8700.