Most people suffering from acute and chronic pain usually find relief from taking pain medications. However, there are other types of pain that, despite taking pain killers , persist. It is usually the case in pain caused by nerve damage or irritation. Therefore, if you are experiencing pain primary or secondary to nerve compression or damage and seek relief, nerve blocks Austin specialists provide a solution to your concern. Health care providers usually offer nerve blocks in diagnosing and treating pain conditions. Below is all you should know concerning the management of pain using nerve blocks.
What are nerve blocks?
Nerve blocks are medications administered to reduce or block pain. It involves the injection of certain medications directly into the damaged nerve that is causing pain. The purpose of the medication is to turn off the nerve, reducing nervous transmission of pain signals to your brain. Doing so provides pain relief. The care providers usually perform nerve blocks using guided x-ray images to ensure the medication is injected into the correct nerve.
What are the types of nerve blocks?
Generally, pain specialists offer several types of nerve blocks to provide pain relief. Some nerve blocks can produce the same outcome as nerve burning or ablation. Similarly, the numbing drug can also be used to determine if blocking the nerve first is possible before the ablation procedure. Some of the nerve blocks that are commonly offered include peripheral nerve blocks, facial nerve blocks, sympathetic ganglion blocks, sacroiliac joint blocks, selective nerve root blocks, facet joint nerve blocks, or lesser and greater occipital nerve blocks.
Nerve blocks are good for providing long-term pain relief and improving your quality of life. It also helps you participate in physical therapy, which is essential for your recovery process with ease. They can also be used as diagnostic tools for the nerve that is the primary cause of your pain.
Are you a good candidate for nerve blocks?
Your health care providers usually begin by determining whether you suit to be a candidate for nerve block before recommending the treatment. Therefore, the use of nerve blocks depends on your general health, the severity, and the cause of your pain. However, nerve blocks effectively manage arthritis pain, headaches, back pain, chronic regional pain syndrome, neck pain, and facial pain. In most cases, your health care provider recommends conservative treatment like physical therapy and oral medications because nerve blocking is an invasive procedure.
Therefore, if conservative treatments fail to provide relief or are not effective, your health care provider may recommend other types of pain management options, including nerve block. Once you are fit or qualify for the procedure, you are given instructions and taught what to expect to help you get ready for the procedure.
Chronic pain can prevent you from taking part in activities of daily living or at your workplace. Therefore, if you are experiencing persistent pain that is not responding to pain medications and physical therapy and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment, you can get started by calling or visiting Republic Spine and Pain today.
