How Nerve Block Injections Can Help Us Figure Out What’s Causing Your Pain

Many people assume a nerve block only helps with pain. While that is true, it’s not the sole purpose of a nerve block injection. It can also be a valuable tool for locating the source of pain and identifying an underlying cause. If you’ve undergone multiple imaging tests, blood tests, and evaluations without answers about your pain, a diagnostic nerve block should be your next step. 

Double board-certified pain management specialist and leading regenerative orthobiologic physician Glenn M. Flanagan, MD, provides diagnostic and therapeutic nerve block injections at Naples Regenerative Institute in Naples, Florida. Nerve block injections often accompany other diagnostic tests, like nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyogram (EMG) studies, to identify the source of your pain. 

What are the purposes of nerve block injections?

Your nerve block injection at Naples Regenerative Institute can serve the following purposes:

Diagnostic

Dr. Flanagan can conduct diagnostic nerve blocks when the exact source of your pain is unknown. Administering medication to block specific nerves in the area, he can determine the source of your pain based on whether the nerve block alleviates your pain. If the source is located, it may also provide therapeutic relief for your pain.

Using the results of your diagnostic nerve block, Dr. Flanagan can plan or update your future therapeutic treatment. Nerve blocks are a safe way to diagnose nerve pain because the risk of nerve injury is less than 0.1%.

Therapeutic

Therapeutic nerve block injections offer fast-acting pain relief for several hours or more based on the type of injection. A therapeutic nerve block can provide temporary relief if you have acute or chronic pain. Adding an anti-inflammatory medication to your nerve block can reduce inflammation, and PRP treatments will release growth factors that encourage nerve healing. 

What to expect during your nerve block procedure

When Dr. Flanagan determines a nerve block is appropriate, you can expect a quick procedure without much downtime. In fact, you can return to your regular activities and responsibilities the next day. 

Nerve blocks target nociceptors — a type of nerve receptor that detects signs of injuries or damage throughout your body. When they detect damage, these receptors transmit signals to your brain, which your brain interprets as pain. Nerve blocks contain anesthetics that calm these signals. 

There are many types of nerve blocks, including some epidural injections. Generally, you can expect to lie on an exam table during the procedure. Dr. Flanagan always uses an X-ray or ultrasound to guide the needle into the precise area before administering the nerve block.

After the injection, you’ll rest in the office for 15-30 minutes until the medication takes effect. If it alleviates your pain, Dr. Flanagan gains a better understanding of your pain’s source and treatment options. 

Schedule your visit today

Do you have unexplained acute or chronic nerve pain? Call Naples Regenerative Institute for an evaluation today. You can also schedule an appointment online with the click of a button.