Nerve Block Injection
A nerve block injection places numbing medication, often combined with a steroid, right at the nerve that is sending pain signals, which can quiet that pain fast and help you move more freely.
If a specific nerve or group of nerves is behind your neck, back, or limb pain, this targeted treatment can bring relief without surgery. At Pain & Spine Physicians, our physicians use live image guidance to place each injection precisely, so you get the most benefit with the least discomfort.
A nerve block can also help us find exactly where your pain starts, which guides the rest of your treatment plan.
You do not have to keep pushing through pain that gets in the way of your day. To find out whether a nerve block injection is right for you, contact us online or call (972) 350-0225 to schedule your evaluation.
What a Nerve Block Injection Does
A nerve block works by interrupting pain signals along a specific nerve pathway before they reach your brain. Your physician uses X-ray or ultrasound guidance to steer the needle to the right spot, then delivers medication that numbs the nerve and often calms nearby inflammation. Some blocks are mainly diagnostic, helping confirm which nerve is the true source of your pain.
Others are therapeutic and aim to give you weeks or months of relief. The medication used depends on your diagnosis and how your body has responded to past treatments. Many patients feel a difference within hours, though results vary from person to person.
Conditions a Nerve Block Can Treat
Nerve blocks help with a wide range of pain problems, especially when the pain traces back to a clear nerve source. Common reasons we recommend one include:
- Sciatica and pain that radiates down the leg
- Neck and back pain from irritated spinal nerves
- Nerve pain that spreads into both legs or arms
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a chronic nerve condition that causes ongoing pain and swelling
- Headaches tied to nerve irritation
- Nerve pain that lingers after shingles
For many of these patients, a nerve block becomes one part of a larger plan to manage chronic pain and restore daily function.
Types of Nerve Block Injections
The right type of block depends on where your pain comes from. Our physicians may recommend one of the following:
- Epidural steroid injections: These target irritated nerve roots in the spine that cause radiating pain.
- Sympathetic blocks: These calm the sympathetic nerves involved in conditions like CRPS.
- Medial branch blocks: These test whether small facet joint nerves are driving your neck or back pain.
- Peripheral nerve blocks: These target specific nerves in the arms, legs, or head.
If a diagnostic block confirms the source of your pain, a longer-lasting option like radiofrequency ablation may be the next step. This in-office treatment needs no surgery or incision, no general anesthesia, and comes with minimal downtime.
What to Expect During and After
Most nerve block injections take only a few minutes and happen right in our office. You stay awake, and we numb the skin first so the injection itself is quick and manageable. Afterward, you may feel soreness at the site or noticeable relief as the medication takes hold.
If you feel a temporary numbness or heavy sensation in the treated area, that usually fades within a few hours. Most patients head home the same day and return to light activity soon after, with specific guidance from your care team.
Why Choose Pain & Spine Physicians for Nerve Block Injections
A nerve block is only as effective as its placement, and that precision is what our team brings to every injection. Our physicians are board-certified in pain medicine, which reflects fellowship training in pain medicine after residency, so your injection is placed by someone who focuses on this work every day.
Because we perform these procedures in-office with modern imaging, your care stays coordinated and cost-effective under one roof. You also get access to several nearby offices with modern, state-of-the-art facilities, so care fits your life. Patients throughout the DFW and North Texas area count on us for careful, individualized pain care built around lasting relief, not just a quick fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Relief From a Nerve Block Last?
It varies. Some people get a few days of relief, while others feel better for several months. Longer-term options exist if your relief is short-lived but real.
Is a Nerve Block Injection Painful?
Most patients tolerate it well. We numb the area first, so you usually feel pressure more than sharp pain during the brief procedure.
How Many Nerve Blocks Can You Have?
That depends on your response and the medication used. Your physician will space treatments safely and adjust the plan based on how you respond.
What Should You Avoid After the Injection?
Take it easy for the rest of the day and skip strenuous activity. Your care team will give you clear instructions based on the type of block you received.
Get Relief With a Nerve Block Injection Today
You deserve a clear answer about what is causing your pain and a plan to calm it. Our team will evaluate your symptoms, explain your options, and support your recovery from your first visit onward. Contact us online, or call (972) 350-0225 to schedule your evaluation at Pain & Spine Physicians now.