Nerve Block Injection in Plano, TX
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Find Long Lasting Pain Relief With Nerve Block Injections at Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX
When suffering from chronic pain, you may worry that nothing will provide the pain relief you need. Advanced Spine Center is dedicated to helping patients explore options to address back pain, including nerve block injections and other treatments.
Nerve blocks provide temporary pain relief by preventing nerves from sending pain messages to the brain. For many, this treatment makes their condition manageable and improves their quality of life. Our Plano, TX, spinal doctor uses nerve block injections as part of the treatment plan for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, joint pain, and similar spinal conditions.
If you’re interested in learning how cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injections in Plano, TX, can help you, don’t hesitate to contact our team. You can reach out to Advanced Spine Center today by calling (972) 499-5457 or through our online contact form.
What Is a Nerve Block Injection?
A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting numbing, pain-relieving, and/or anti-inflammatory medications into a targeted area. Medical professionals offer many types of nerve blocks that involve slightly different processes, including:
- Surgical Nerve Blocks – Deliver regional anesthesia before a surgical procedure
- Diagnostic Nerve Blocks – Identify the nerve causing pain and inform treatment plans
- Therapeutic Nerve Blocks – Provide pain relief to those dealing with acute or chronic pain
Advanced Spine Center offers a wide range of spinal injections to help patients suffering from severe back pain. Dr. Stephen Courtney may recommend epidural steroid injections to treat pain or a medial branch block in Plano as a diagnostic tool.
How Do Nerve Blocks Work?
When your nerve sensors detect signs of harm, they send pain signals that travel towards your spinal cord, then up to your brain. The brain then processes signals as the feeling of pain. A nerve block procedure interrupts the signal at the source by delivering numbing and pain medications to targeted nerves.
Nerve blocks offer temporary or long-term pain relief, with results varying from person to person and depending on the specific type of injection. The numbing anesthetic in the injection sometimes allows patients to experience pain relief shortly after treatment.
Conditions Commonly Treated With a Nerve Block Procedure
Our Plano spinal doctor utilizes nerve block procedures as part of the treatment plan for various spine-related conditions. When you book an appointment with Advanced Spine Center, he’ll carefully assess any issues you’re having to determine if a nerve block could help you.
Neck Pain and Cervical Spine Conditions
Chronic neck and cervical spine issues are a common reason to seek nerve blocks. Sometimes, such as with pinched nerves, a nerve block allows medical professionals to locate an affected nerve. Your doctor can then plan your treatment more easily. The friction that accompanies arthritis often leads to pain and swelling. Through a nerve block, a healthcare provider can address both pain and inflammation. Nerve block injections also serve as an effective, non-surgical treatment for herniated discs in Plano, TX.
Back Pain and Lumbar Spine Conditions
Severe pain in the lower back often results from conditions that compress the spinal cord or nerves. Sciatica specifically involves compression of the sciatic nerve. This causes pain in the lumbar spine that may radiate into the buttocks and legs. Swelling of the facet joints in the lower back leads to painful rubbing and can pinch nerves exiting through adjacent foraminal openings. Spinal stenosis is a dangerous narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. Nerve blocks are often used as a form of Plano spinal stenosis treatment, sciatica treatment, and facet joint pain treatment.
Joint and Nerve Pain Conditions
Medical providers have access to a wide range of nerve blocks meant to treat nerve pain in specific joints. For example, genicular nerve blocks target nerves in your knee joints. Peripheral nerve blocks address shoulder pain and hip pain through local anesthetic and/or anti-inflammatory medicine.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Complex regional pain syndrome causes continuous throbbing or burning pain in the limbs, sensitivity, swelling, and skin issues. When nervous systems malfunction or become damaged, it can lead to intense neuropathic pain. Some patients experience complications post-surgery that result in chronic pain. In any of these cases, nerve blocks can serve as a means of pain management or support additional treatment.
What To Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure in Plano, TX
Local patients rely on Advanced Spine Center for lumbar, thoracic, and cervical medical branch block in Plano, TX. Before the procedure, our TX spinal doctor thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history. Then, he follows up with imaging tests to evaluate your condition. These steps allow him to recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Dr. Courtney will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the day of your procedure.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may administer a mild sedative through an IV line. Before the needle enters your skin, the medical team will sterilize your skin at the injection site to reduce the risk of infection. Imaging guidance through X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans allows healthcare providers to precisely target specific nerves. The Advanced Spine Center works diligently at every stage of the process to ensure patient comfort and safety.
While the medication takes effect, you’ll rest under the watchful eye of medical professionals. Our team monitors your condition closely, ensuring no complications occur. Since nerve blocks are usually performed on an outpatient basis, you’ll likely be able to return home the same day. It is important to follow all post-surgery instructions to ensure proper recovery. Some patients may need follow-up or continuing care, such as physical therapy, before returning to normal activities.
How Long Does a Nerve Block Last?
Nerve blocks may last a few hours, days, several weeks, or even months. The type of medication, delivery method, and nerve location can all affect nerve block duration. Results also differ due to differences in patient physiology. Diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, and nonsurgical nerve blocks serve different purposes, which means these injections affect patients for different lengths of time. Repeat procedures can be effective for those who need longer pain relief or when medical providers need to further assess the patient’s condition.
Benefits of Nerve Block Injections for Pain Management
Pain management physicians recommend these injections for a wide range of benefits. Nerve blocks:
- Offer targeted pain relief
- Are a minimally invasive treatment option
- Reduce the need for oral medication for pain
- Improve movement and daily function
- May help delay or avoid surgery
- Helps healthcare providers diagnose pain sources
If you’re interested in consulting with a Plano spinal specialist about nerve blocks, contact Advanced Spine Center today.
Who May Be a Candidate for a Nerve Block Injection?
Anyone suffering from nerve-related pain symptoms can be a good candidate for a nerve block injection. This includes those with chronic pain or conditions that have not responded well to conservative treatments. Injections may also be preferable for individuals seeking non-surgical pain management options.
Many people don’t understand when to be concerned about back pain. This can prevent them from seeking much-needed treatment. As a spinal doctor in Plano, Stephen Courtney provides the answers you need, including whether nerve block injections can work for you.
Nerve Block Injection FAQs
Is a nerve block injection painful?
Following a nerve block, patients may experience slight pain or numbness at the injection site and should take it easy on the day of the procedure, resuming normal activities the next day.
How quickly will I notice pain relief after a nerve block?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nerve blocks take effect within about 15 to 30 minutes. This means they provide almost immediate relief from pain.
Does a nerve block target specific nerves?
Yes, doctors target the affected nerve to block pain signals at the source.
Are diagnostic nerve blocks different from pain medicine injections?
Yes. A diagnostic block is used to pinpoint the source of pain, while therapeutic injections aim to reduce pain and inflammation.
Can nerve blocks work for chronic pain?
Yes, nerve blocks can provide temporary (and sometimes long-lasting) relief from chronic pain.
Will I need more than one nerve block procedure?
Some benefit from a single injection, while other patients require multiple nerve block treatments to manage pain.
Talk to a Healthcare Provider About Whether a Nerve Block Injection Is Right for You. Call Advanced Spine Center Today.
The sooner you seek treatment for ongoing pain, the sooner our team can help you find relief. With professional pain management, you can explore options suited to your particular situation. Advanced Spine Center is experienced in treating back pain stemming from injuries, age-related wear, and spinal health issues.
To consult with a doctor about cervical, thoracic, and lumbar medical branch blocks in TX, contact Advanced Spine Center today. Take the first step towards personalized care by calling (972) 499-5457 or using our online contact form.