Peripheral Nerve Blocks
- Peripheral Nerve Blocks
- Occipital Nerve Blocks
- Trigeminal Nerve Blocks
- Pudendal Nerve Blocks
- Genicular Nerve Blocks
Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Simple injections that help control pain by “blocking” pain signals from a nerve. The injections usually contain a local anesthetic, sometimes with a small amount of steroid. There are as many peripheral nerve blocks as there are peripheral nerves. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the most common nerve blocks.
Nerve blocks can serve two purposes: they can be therapeutic, meaning they help relieve pain, or diagnostic, meaning they help figure out where the pain is coming from. For certain specific conditions, nerve blocks are done with sedation to enhance pain relief, but that’s not usually the case.
Occipital Nerve Blocks: Relieve pain in the back of the head, which can often trigger migraines or other types of headaches. The injection is done along the occipital nerves located near the base of the skull at the back of the head. It blocks pain signals from the nerve and can also be used to help release entrapped nerves without needing surgery.
Trigeminal Nerve Blocks: Relieve facial pain by injecting medication along the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in your face. It blocks pain signals, providing relief from conditions like trigeminal neuralgia or severe facial pain. In some cases, this block is done with ketamine sedation to provide longer lasting relief.
Pudendal Nerve Blocks: Relieve pelvic pain by injecting along the pudendal nerve or its branches, which are located in the pelvic region and are responsible for sensation to the pelvis. It blocks pain signals from the nerve and can also be used to help release entrapped nerves without needing surgery.
Genicular Nerve Blocks: Relieve knee pain by targeting the nerves which provide sensation to the knee. It is particularly effective for patients with chronic knee pain after knee replacement surgery. When combined with the appropriate therapy, this block can help restore mobility to the knee as well as control pain. Many orthopedic surgeons send us patients for these blocks because they can make a big difference for patients recovering from knee replacement surgery.
If you would like to explore if these treatments are right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to doing what you love!
When to Expect Relief and How Long It Lasts
The local anesthetic starts working right away and reaches its full effect in about 45 minutes. Its relief typically lasts from a few hours to about a day.
The steroid also begins to work quickly, but it can take 3 to 7 days to achieve its maximum effect. Its benefits may last for 3 to 6 months. In some cases, especially when a nerve is trapped or compressed, we may recommend repeating the procedure to fully release the nerve and provide lasting pain relief.
Is Sedation Available?
Yes. We offer options tailored to your comfort preferences and medical needs.
These are minor, low risk procedures that typically do not require sedation and can easily be done with just local anesthetic. For those patients who prefer sedation, we offer sedation both in the office and in the surgery center.
Instructions Before the Procedure
1. If you take blood thinners, we will provide detailed instructions on when to stop and restart them.
2. Please let us know if there are any changes to your health, such as a new pregnancy, or if you start antibiotics before your procedure.
3. If you choose sedation in our office, plan for a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. They are welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting area during your procedure, or you can call them when you are ready to leave.
4. If you are going to have sedation in the surgery center or hospital, we will provide additional instructions.
Instructions After the Procedure
Rest and Activity:
- Take it easy on the day of your procedure. You can return to your regular activities the following day.
- Avoid operating heavy or potentially dangerous equipment on the day of your procedure.
- If you had sedation, plan to avoid driving for the rest of the day.
Alcohol: If you received sedation, please skip alcohol for the rest of the day.
Dressings: You can gently remove any adhesive bandages, like Band-Aids®, the day after your procedure.
Blood Thinners: You can restart your blood thinners the day after your procedure unless we have advised you otherwise.
Comfort at the Injection Site: It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort where you received the injection. Applying ice can help ease the soreness—just remember to wrap the ice in a cloth and avoid placing it directly on your skin. Refrain from using heat on the injection site on the day of your procedure.