5 Lesser Known Key Details About a Nerve Block

Nerve irritation or damage often results in multiple painful health complications. Nerve blocks are often employed to deliver an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of painful symptoms suspected to be due to nerve issues. The nerve blocks Austin specialists recommend the option depending on the specific symptoms patients possess. The treatment aims at blocking pain signals by turning off the nerves relaying pain information to the brain. Your doctor locates your pain and injects local anesthetic or steroids directly into the suspicious nerves to control pain, improve function, and improve the overall quality of life. Here is what you might not know about nerve blocks.

Multiple Options

A different nerve block is available to diagnose and manage different medical complications. Your doctor might first employ numbing medications to determine if it is necessary to block the nerve. Remember that nerve blocks can cause the same effect as nerve ablation. Your doctor can determine if you can gain from sympathetic ganglion blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, facial blocks, sacroiliac (SI) joint blocks, greater and lesser occipital nerve blocks, facet joint nerve blocks, and sympathetic plexus nerve blocks. All these nerve blocks aim at delivering long-term pain relief to restore the quality of your life. They can also make it easier for you to seek other therapies, such as physical therapy, and determine if nerve complications are to blame for your symptoms.

The Fear of the Needle Surpasses the Injection Itself

Nerve blocks involve the injection of anesthesia or steroids. The treatment itself is highly tolerable and brief. However, many people are afraid of seeking treatment due to needle phobia. Please understand that the treatment is comfortable and only slightly uncomfortable. Also, the treatment only lasts about 5-15 minutes. Therefore, talk to your doctor about your fears to learn how you can minimize your anxiety. Understand that your doctor can first deliver local anesthesia to minimize the needle pain.

Nerve Blocks are Unique for Everyone

Everyone has different medical needs, and your body is unique. Therefore, the nerve block response is different for everyone. Research has found that some people get immediate relief while others need a series of injections to find relief. Pain is a personal perception; it can be difficult to tell how everyone will respond to the treatment. Discuss with your doctor about your treatment to understand your chances of pain relief.

Post Procedure Soreness is Common

It is normal to experience soreness or postoperative discomfort after a nerve block. However, it often improves within a few days of your injection. Remember that the anesthesia does not last long, and you might take some time to respond to the treatment. However, expect the peak of your treatment to be within about 3-10 days of your injection. How you respond to your first injections guides your doctor in proceeding with the treatment.

Your Medical History is Critical

Nerve block injection frequency highly depends on your medical history. Your doctor will assess your medical history to determine the precise number of injections you need. Some medical conditions like diabetes can call for less frequent injections. Therefore, bring your medical history to your doctor during your initial consultation.

Nerve Blocks can help decrease your pain, increase your function, and help you proceed with physical therapy. Call the Republic Spine & Pain specialists to understand more about the treatment option. You can also request a consultation appointment online.

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