Nerve Blocks & Injections

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Precise injection around a specific peripheral nerve, serving as both a diagnostic confirmation and a therapeutic intervention for nerve pain.

Nerve

Procedure Overview

When pain is localized to a specific area and does not trace back to the spine, the source may be a peripheral nerve, a nerve that runs outside the central nervous system entirely. These nerves are addressable directly with a targeted injection, both to confirm their involvement diagnostically and to provide therapeutic relief.

Treatment Purpose

Peripheral nerve blocks inject local anesthetic, with or without corticosteroid, around a specific peripheral nerve to interrupt pain signal transmission. They serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Common targets include the suprascapular nerve for shoulder pain, intercostal nerves for chest wall pain, and various nerves in the groin, pelvis, and extremities.

Appropriate Conditions

Neuropathic pain from peripheral nerve injury or entrapment
Post-surgical nerve pain
Shoulder pain
Chest wall pain
Groin and pelvic pain
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Patient Considerations

The diagnostic value of a peripheral nerve block is precisely what helps answer that question. If blocking the specific nerve produces significant pain reduction, it confirms that nerve as the source. This removes guesswork from the treatment plan and creates a clear, evidence-based path forward, whether that means repeat therapeutic blocks or a longer-lasting intervention.

Treatment Process

The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes under ultrasound guidance. The target nerve is visualized on ultrasound and a thin needle is placed precisely adjacent to it. Anesthetic and corticosteroid are injected around the nerve to interrupt pain transmission. You return home the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does diagnostic relief last?

Diagnostic blocks provide 4 to 8 hours of relief to confirm the nerve source. Therapeutic blocks with corticosteroid can last weeks to months.

How is this different from an epidural injection?

Peripheral nerve blocks target specific named nerves outside the spine. Epidural injections target the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots.

What are the risks?

Very low risk. Rare complications include temporary weakness, bruising, or infection.

Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace an evaluation by a qualified physician. Talk with a doctor about your specific condition and treatment options. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

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