A nerve block is a special technique that stops a nerve from sending pain signals to the spinal cord and ultimately, the brain. It is often an injection of medicine that blocks pain from specific nerves.
How nerve blocks are used
From anesthesiologists to neurologists and dentists, a variety of health care professionals use nerve blocks. The most well-known is the epidural, used during childbirth. They can also be used for a large number of surgical procedures, including joint replacements, abdominal surgeries and foot and hand surgeries.
Since nerve blocks stop the transmission of all pain signals, they significantly decrease pain after surgical procedures and can eliminate the use of narcotics. Patients are known to have faster recoveries, as well.
Outside of the operating room, they are being used more often for treatment of chronic pain.
“Similar to the procedures used for acute pain and for operating room-based surgeries, many of these procedures can be used for chronic pain, especially for patients who suffer from complex regional pain syndrome, chronic abdominal pain, atypical facial pain and occipital neuralgia, just to name a few” said Dr. Michael Roegner, Marshfield Clinic Health System anesthesiologist and pain management physician.
Advancements in technology
Nerve blocks have gained significant traction in the field of medicine over the last 15-20 years. They’re being used in more procedures than ever before.
“Many physicians are now trained and many residents are coming through their residencies heavily trained on them, given the massive potential they have,” Dr. Roegner said. “Just in the last few years, I myself have learned several different new types of nerve blocks.”
Not only are they being used in more procedures, the way nerve blocks deliver medicine is changing. Some physicians can now insert a small catheter around a targeted nerve to slowly infuse local anesthetic over a number of days. This provides significant and long-lasting pain relief, especially after a painful surgery.
Imaging technology has also helped with progress. Not only does the treatment require needles to deliver medicine, they need an ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan to guide the needle.
“Modern ultrasound machines are far more advanced than they used to be and are a very useful tool as we seek to help patients for both acute and chronic pain,” Dr. Roegner said.
If you’re interested in learning more, talk to your doctor about the potential of nerve blocks.
For questions about pain, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.
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I live in minocqua woodruff Wisconsin and I go to Marshfield clinic or aspirus for my health care I cannot drive further than this to go anywhere to get this shot have you any idea how I would go about getting someone at Marshfield clinic minocqua or aspirus hospital in woodruff? I have a lot of health issues but driving far distances is something I cannot do both of these clinics and hospitals are only about 4 miles away from me wish I can handle. Could you also suggest the doctor?
Hi Diane, The doctor featured in this article provides care in Minocqua, so he would be able to provide it to you close to home. Here is his information: https://marshfieldclinic.org/Doctors/Michael-Roegner-MD?ek=Michael%20Roegner%20MD -Thanks, Jordan
Jo9rdan S, I will be back in WI in May. Who is performing these and where?
Hi Kathy, I would recommend talking to your primary care provider to get a referral to our pain management team. Here is more information about the team: https://marshfieldclinic.org/doctors/search?k=%22Pain%20Management%22&ek=Pain%20Management#Default=%7B%22k%22%3A%22%5C%22Pain%20Management%5C%22%22%2C%22r%22%3A%5B%7B%22n%22%3A%22owstaxIdPrimarySearchTerm%22%2C%22t%22%3A%5B%22%5C%22%C7%82%C7%824c307c233034653165326137392d666466312d343461302d386632322d6139393862336333383032397c5061696e204d616e6167656d656e74%5C%22%22%5D%2C%22o%22%3A%22and%22%2C%22k%22%3Afalse%2C%22m%22%3Anull%7D%5D%7D -Thanks, Jordan
Is a nerve block used for chronic hip bursitis? I have had this hip pain for several years with accompanying lower back pain. I have tried the exercises provided by Wisc River Orthopedics along with injections to no avail.
Hi Michael, Yes, there are nerve blocks and injections that can be used for hip arthritis and hip bursa arthritis. -Thanks, Jordan
Dr Rogner give me epidural in my neck twice and it didn't work my name is Diane M Martin 2 /13/ 1935 is this what they're talking about what I had or is nerve black something newer that I could possibly get done to me rotator cuff it's extremely painful now and no one will give me a cortisone shot not Dr Bogomil or Dr. Roegner?
Hi Diane, Yes, you can get an injection/nerve block into a shoulder joint that may help with rotator cuff pain. -Thanks, Jordan
I have Post Shingles pain. I had shingles in 2016 and still have the chronic pain from it. I was told a few years ago that a nerve block wouldn't work because it's been too long. With the new advances, is that still true? I use 4% Lidocaine for temporary relief, but all it does is take the edge off. I can only wear certain tops. Anything loose moves on the skin and the nerve goes crazy. I have to wear a real tight T-shirt for sleeping and it still goes crazy during the night and disrupts my sleep. I don't want to do the drug route.
Hi Kathleen, In some cases, yes, this is true. However, some people still respond to nerve blocks for this pain and it may be worth a try. -Thanks, Jordan
I have a sharp stabbing pain in my lower back.