Living with persistent pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting. For many patients at Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, nerve blocks provide a safe and highly effective way to manage pain and regain function. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, nerve-related discomfort, or inflammation, this minimally invasive procedure may be a powerful solution.
In this article, we’ll explore what nerve blocks are, how nerve blocks work, the different types of nerve blocks, and why they’re a key tool in comprehensive pain management.
What Are Nerve Blocks?
A nerve block is an injection of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication near specific nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. These injections may serve diagnostic, therapeutic, or pre-surgical purposes.
At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, nerve blocks are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic neck and back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, post-surgical nerve pain, arthritis-related joint discomfort, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).Arthritis-related joint pain
Nerve block injections can provide both immediate and long-term pain relief, often reducing or eliminating the need for strong pain medications or surgery.
How Nerve Blocks Work
To understand how nerve blocks work, consider how pain travels through the nervous system. Nerves transmit pain signals from the body to the brain. If those nerves are irritated or damaged, they can send pain messages even in the absence of injury.
A nerve block for pain relief disrupts this cycle. During the procedure, the area is first cleaned and numbed. Your provider then uses imaging technology such as X-ray or ultrasound to accurately guide the needle. A carefully measured combination of local anesthetic and steroid is injected near the affected nerve, and you’re monitored afterward for both relief and any potential side effects.
By targeting the exact nerve responsible for the pain, nerve blocks offer a highly localized and effective treatment method.
Types of Nerve Blocks
There are several types of nerve blocks, each suited to different pain conditions. Some of the most common offered at Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island include:
1. Epidural Steroid Injections
Used to treat lower back pain, sciatica, and disc herniations by delivering medication to the epidural space around the spinal cord.
2. Facet Joint Blocks
Designed for patients with arthritis or degeneration in the spine’s small joints. These help determine if the joints are the pain source.
3. Medial Branch Blocks
Target the nerves that supply the facet joints. If successful, patients may later undergo radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
4. Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Used for conditions like CRPS, targeting the sympathetic nervous system to reduce pain and improve circulation.
5. Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Ideal for limb pain, especially post-surgical or trauma-related. Medication is injected near a single nerve outside the spine.
Each of these nerve block types is selected based on a patient’s symptoms, history, and response to prior treatments.
Benefits of Nerve Blocks
Patients undergoing nerve block injections often report dramatic improvements. The benefits include:
- Targeted pain relief
- Minimal downtime
- Non-surgical approach
- Reduced reliance on opioids
- Improved physical function and quality of life
By integrating nerve blocks into a broader care plan, such as Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, many patients are able to regain independence and reduce the burden of chronic pain.
Are Nerve Blocks Right for You?
You might be a candidate for a nerve block if you:
- Experience chronic or recurring pain that hasn’t responded to medication or physical therapy
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Need a diagnostic tool to pinpoint your pain’s origin
- Have previously responded well to corticosteroid or anesthetic injections
A consultation with a specialist like Dr. Antigone Argyriou will help determine whether a nerve block for pain relief is right for you.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, your nerve block will be performed in a comfortable, outpatient setting. The steps include:
- A thorough evaluation and informed consent
- Local anesthesia applied to the skin
- Real-time imaging used to guide the needle
- Injection of medication near the nerve
- Post-procedure monitoring and discharge
The process typically takes less than 30 minutes. Most patients return home the same day and can resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Risks and Side Effects
While nerve block injections are generally safe, potential side effects may include:
- Mild bruising or soreness at the injection site
- Temporary numbness or tingling
- Rare allergic reactions
- Infection (very rare)
At our state-of-the-art facility, we take every precaution to ensure your safety. Our pain management team uses advanced techniques and sterile procedures to minimize risks and maximize results.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Pain relief after a nerve block can last from a few days to several months. Your response will guide future treatment. Some patients benefit from a series of blocks, while others transition to longer-term solutions like radiofrequency ablation or physical therapy.
We may recommend follow-up therapies through our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation department to extend the benefits of the procedure.
Meet Dr. Antigone Argyriou – Your Pain Management Specialist
When it comes to nerve blocks, the experience of your provider matters. At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, Dr. Antigone Argyriou is our board-certified expert in interventional pain management. She brings a patient-first approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing pain using cutting-edge techniques.
Dr. Argyriou has successfully helped hundreds of patients find relief through nerve block injections and other non-surgical treatments. With a background in anesthesiology and pain medicine, she ensures each procedure is performed with skill, safety, and compassion.
Visit our Meet the Doctors page to learn more about Dr. Argyriou’s credentials and approach.
Final Thoughts
If you’re living with pain that interferes with your daily life, nerve blocks may offer the relief you’ve been searching for. Safe, effective, and minimally invasive, they are a proven tool in modern pain management.
At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, our team is here to provide answers and solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Ready to explore your treatment options?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how nerve block therapy can help you get back to living pain-free.
