Are Nerve Blocks a Safe Way to Treat Chronic Pain?

Living with chronic pain can feel unbearably burdensome, especially when traditional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief. If you’re exploring alternatives to pain medications or seeking approaches that are truly targeted to your pain, nerve blocks might offer the solution you’ve been searching for. But are they safe?

Quick Answer: Yes, Nerve Blocks Are Generally Safe

Nerve blocks are considered a safe treatment option for many chronic pain conditions, with benefits including:

• Temporary to long-lasting pain relief
• Much lower risk of addiction compared to opioids
• Minimal side effects when performed correctly
• Effective for various chronic pain conditions
• May reduce the need for other pain medications

At Pain Control Associates, LLC, Dr. Rajive Adlaka and our team specialize in advanced pain management techniques, including nerve blocks, to help patients reclaim their quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment option.

What Is a Nerve Block and How Does It Work?

A nerve block is a directed injection that stops pain signals from reaching your brain. During the procedure, your pain specialist injects medication around the specific nerves or nerve groups that are causing your discomfort. When the medication reaches the targeted nerve, it prevents pain messages from traveling to your brain, providing relief that can last from hours to months.

The process involves:

• Precise needle placement using imaging guidance.
• Injection of numbing or anti-inflammatory medication.
• Immediate or gradual pain relief, depending on the type administered.

Types of Chronic Pain That Can Respond Well to Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are often used to effectively treat numerous chronic pain conditions that Pain Control Associates, LLC helps patients address. These can include:

• Back pain from herniated discs
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Sciatica and radiculopathy
• Facet joint pain
• Chronic migraines
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Fibromyalgia-related pain
• Post-surgical pain syndromes
• Work-related injuries

Many patients find nerve blocks particularly helpful when other treatments like physical therapy or oral medications haven’t provided adequate relief.

What Are the Risks of Nerve Blocks Compared to Pain Medications?

When performed by experienced specialists, nerve blocks are generally considered to carry significantly lower risks than many alternatives. Common side effects are typically limited to temporary numbness and weakness at the injection site. Serious complications are rare, but may include:

• Infection at injection site
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Nerve damage (extremely uncommon)

Compared to long-term use of opioid medications, nerve blocks offer:

• No risk of addiction or dependence
• No systemic side effects
• Targeted relief without affecting other body systems
• Ability to maintain normal mental clarity

By utilizing advanced imaging techniques when performing nerve block procedures, our team strives to ensure precise placement and maximize patient safety.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

Nerve blocks represent a safe, effective option for managing chronic pain without many of the risks associated with long-term medication use. At Pain Control Associates, LLC, we create individualized treatment plans that, depending on your pain and its root causes, may include nerve blocks alongside other proven therapies.

Chronic pain doesn’t have to control your life. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and learn whether nerve blocks can help you find relief.