About the treatment
A peripheral nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat conditions such as headaches, neuropathy, pelvic pain, and many more for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. When used for diagnostic purposes a significant yet temporary reduction of pain alludes to a successful test. When used for therapeutic purposes relief can be maintained for between 3-6 months.
For this procedure, the patient is taken to the procedure suite and placed on the operating table. The skin to be treated is then marked, cleaned, and numbed with a local anesthetic. After the area is fully numb, the physician then inserts a needle into the affected area to deliver a sterile mix of anesthetic and steroid solution while maintaining proper placement by using live fluoroscopy (x-ray). Overall, the procedure typically only takes a few minutes to complete.
Pain relief may be noted immediately after the procedure due to the use of a local anesthetic. Longer-term relief can take up to 2 weeks to take full effect due to the steroid. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, or pain at the procedure site which should subside within a few days. As pain relief reduces over time and pain returns the procedure may be repeated if needed.