Nerve Blocks Specialist in Houston & Beaumont, TX
What is a Nerve Block, and How Does it Relieve Spine Pain?
A nerve block is a minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce or eliminate pain by interrupting pain signals from specific nerves in the spine. At Spine Associates, our interventional pain specialists provide targeted relief by delivering anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near the affected nerve. This approach offers both therapeutic benefits and diagnostic insight, helping patients find meaningful relief while often avoiding the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
How Long Does Nerve Block Pain Relief Typically Last?
The length of relief from a nerve block varies from patient to patient. Some individuals experience only short-term relief lasting hours or days, while others may find their pain improved for weeks or even months. Longer-lasting results are often achieved when anesthetics are combined with anti-inflammatory medications, which can calm irritated nerves and reduce inflammation. For patients seeking a non-surgical option, a nerve block can provide the relief needed to resume physical therapy, daily activities, and improve their quality of life.
Can Nerve Blocks Help Diagnose the Cause of My Spine Pain?
Nerve blocks are a fantastic tool for both diagnosing and treating pain, and they can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life! By injecting medication into the targeted nerve or joint, we can determine if it’s the root cause of your discomfort.Â
Spinal nerve blocks are particularly effective for diagnosing and alleviating pain associated with irritated or compressed nerves along the spine. Depending on your symptoms, these injections can be precisely targeted to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas. They are particularly beneficial for conditions such as herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis in the facet joints, and nerve compression issues that lead to sciatica or pain radiating down the legs.
By delivering anesthetic and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve, spinal nerve blocks can reduce swelling and interrupt the pain signals. Not only do they provide temporary relief, but they also help pinpoint the specific source of pain, which can inform exciting future treatment options, such as radiofrequency ablation or physical therapy.Â
Are Nerve Blocks Safe?
When performed by a board-certified interventional pain specialist, nerve blocks are considered safe and effective. Modern image-guided techniques, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, ensure precision and reduce risks. While minor side effects, such as temporary soreness or numbness, are possible, serious complications are rare. Patients are carefully evaluated before undergoing treatment to ensure safety and maximize the benefits of the procedure.
Expert Spinal Pain Treatment at Spine Associates
At Spine Associates, our team is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care for spine-related conditions and pain. Nerve blocks are one of many interventional options we offer to help patients return to the activities they love with less discomfort and greater confidence. Reach out for more information.