Nerve Block

Discover how nerve block injections can help relieve chronic pain.
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UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE

What is a nerve block?

Targeted Relief

A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure in which a local anesthetic, steroid, or other medication is injected near a specific nerve or group of nerves to temporarily interrupt pain signals from reaching the brain. Nerve blocks are both diagnostic and therapeutic, helping to identify the source of pain and providing relief that can allow patients to engage more fully in rehabilitation.

Proven Benefits

Nerve blocks provide short-term or long-term pain relief depending on the type of block, and help guide treatment decisions for chronic pain conditions. They reduce reliance on opioids or systemic medications, and can improve mobility and allow patients to participate in physical therapy or rehabilitation programs.

Safe, Precise Treatment

At Compass Pain and Wellness, nerve blocks are performed in our in-office procedural suite with fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for precision and patient safety.
TREATMENT TYPES

Types of Nerve Blocks

There are several different types of nerve blocks, each targeting a specific region or type of pain. Some of the most common include:
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advantages

How Nerve Blocks Work

Understanding the Treatment

Nerve blocks work by interrupting the transmission of pain signals from the affected nerve to the brain. The medication used typically includes:

  • Local anesthetic: Temporarily numbs the nerve for immediate relief.
  • Corticosteroid: Reduces inflammation, which can provide longer-lasting relief.
  • Other agents: Such as saline or neurolytic agents in specialized cases.

Procedure Overview at Compass Pain and Wellness

  • The patient is positioned comfortably in our state-of-the-art procedural suite.
  • The target nerve or region is identified using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance for precise needle placement.
  • Medication is injected around the target nerve(s).
  • Patients may experience immediate numbing, followed by gradual reduction in inflammation over several days.
  • Our care team coordinates directly with your in-house physical therapist to ensure post-procedure rehabilitation is optimized.

Some patients may also receive red-light therapy or PEMF sessions after their procedure to enhance tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall results.

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IDEAL CANDIDATES

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Nerve blocks may be recommended for patients who:

  • Have chronic pain that has not responded to medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.
  • Need diagnostic information to pinpoint the source of pain.
  • Are seeking to reduce inflammation or nerve irritation in a specific area.
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery while improving function and quality of life.

Not recommended if:

  • You have an active infection near the injection site.
  • You have uncontrolled bleeding disorders.
  • You cannot safely remain still during the procedure.

At Compass Pain and Wellness, every patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, and your treatment plan is fully integrated with our in-house therapy and rehabilitation team for the best possible outcomes.

THE PROCESS

What to Expect on Procedure Day

Preparation:

  • Review of medical history and imaging studies.
  • Explanation of the specific nerve block and expected outcomes.

During the Procedure:

  • Skin is cleaned and numbed.
  • Imaging guidance ensures precise needle placement.
  • Medication is injected around the target nerve(s).

After the Procedure:

  • Patients are monitored briefly, then typically go home the same day.
  • Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site is normal.
  • Temporary numbness or tingling is expected.
  • You physician will coordinate with your in-house physical therapist, and adjunctive therapies like PEMF or red-light therapy may be scheduled to maximize recovery.

  • Most patients can resume light activities immediately, but avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.

  • Pain relief may be immediate (from anesthetic) or develop over several days (from steroid effect).

  • Some patients require multiple injections spaced over weeks to achieve optimal results.

  • Nerve blocks at Compass are always integrated into a personalized rehabilitation plan, including therapy, lifestyle counseling, and adjunctive therapies to improve long-term outcomes.

While nerve blocks are generally safe, potential complications include:

  • Infection at the injection site

  • Bleeding or bruising

  • Temporary nerve irritation

  • Allergic reaction to medication

  • Rare complications depending on the block location and underlying health

All procedures at Compass Pain and Wellness are performed with strict safety protocols and our multidisciplinary team ensures close follow-up for optimal outcomes.

  • Many patients experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and the ability to participate in rehabilitation.

  • Diagnostic nerve blocks provide critical information to guide future treatments, such as RFA or spinal cord stimulation.

  • Results vary depending on the type of block, location, and underlying condition.

  • With Compass’ coordinated care model, patients often experience enhanced recovery, faster functional improvement, and a better overall experience than traditional settings.

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