A solution to persistent pain: Shall we talk about 'Nerve Block'?

Sometimes we have pain that doesn't go away no matter what we do or take medicine. Maybe it's back pain, knee pain, or a severe pain on one side of the head. Only those who suffer from this kind of constant pain know how difficult it is to live with. So, today we are going to talk about a special treatment method that doctors use to control this kind of pain. That is called a 'Nerve Block' .

Simply put, what is a nerve block?

Think of the nerves in our bodies as cables. These nerves carry messages from the brain to other parts of the body, and from those parts back to the brain. Everything we feel, move, breathe, and sweat is controlled by these messages. Pain is one such message.

A nerve block is a drug that is injected into the nerve or nerve bundle where the pain is felt. This temporarily stops the pain message from going to the brain. It's like cutting off a phone call mid-way.

Sometimes, a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory are added to this injection. This helps reduce the swelling in the nerve and gives the damaged nerve a chance to heal. The relief from this is temporary. Some people get relief with just one injection, while others need to have it several times. However, some people may not get any relief from this. In that case, other treatments may be needed.

What are the reasons for a nerve block?

There are three main purposes for using a nerve block.

1. As a treatment for pain (Therapeutic Nerve Blocks): This is the most common reason for its use. It is used to provide temporary relief from pain that may be acute or chronic. For example, it can be used for severe back pain or knee pain.

2. Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: Imagine you are in pain, but your doctor can't pinpoint where the pain is coming from. He or she will then perform a nerve block targeting the suspected nerve. If your pain subsides after the injection, it confirms that the problem is in that nerve. If the pain doesn't subside, it may indicate that the problem is elsewhere. This can be a great help in planning future treatment.

3. For anesthesia (Anesthetic Nerve Blocks): Anesthesiologists use this method to control pain after surgery. In major surgeries, this is given in addition to general anesthesia. For some minor surgeries, such as carpal tunnel surgery on the hand, a nerve block may be used instead of general anesthesia.

What types of nerve blocks are there?

Since our bodies have hundreds of nerves, there are many types of nerve blocks. These are some of the most commonly used.

How does this treatment work?

To understand this, we need to know a little about how our bodies feel pain.

At the ends of our nerves are special receptors. These are like little sensors. If there is an injury or damage anywhere in the body, these sensors send a high-speed electrical signal to the brain saying, "There's a problem here!"

This signal is not directly pain. It's more like a code. The brain receives this signal and interprets that code, which makes us feel the sensation of "pain."

The painkillers in a nerve block stop the electrical signals from being sent or received. That is, they block the message from the problem area to the brain. Then the brain doesn't receive the message about pain, so we don't feel pain.

How do you prepare before a nerve block?

This usually doesn't require much preparation. However, sometimes your doctor may decide to give you a light sedative (sedation). If this is the case, you will be asked to fast for 6-8 hours before the treatment. You will also need someone to drive you home after the treatment.

However, your doctor will give you all the instructions you need. Follow those instructions exactly. Don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions.

What happens during treatment?

This is usually done in an outpatient setting so that you can go home without having to stay in the hospital. Although there are many types of nerve blocks, these are some of the most common.

• First, you will be placed in a specific position on an examination table to make it easier for the doctor to administer the injection.
• To help you relax, you may be given a mild sedative through a cannula placed in a vein in your arm (IV line).
• Then, the injection site is cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
• Before the nerve block is given, a small injection (local anesthetic) is given to numb the area. At that time, you may feel a slight pricking sensation.
• The doctor may use technology such as ultrasound or X-ray to find the right place to give the injection.
• Then, the medicine is injected as close as possible to the nerve in question.
• After the treatment, you will be asked to rest for about 15-30 minutes until the medicine takes effect.

What are the benefits and risks of a nerve block?

Benefits

• It provides temporary or permanent relief from pain , making it easier to carry out daily activities.
• The swelling in the nerve is reduced , giving the nerve a chance to heal.
• It helps to accurately identify the cause of the pain.

Risks

Complications from a nerve block are rare. Also, each type has its own unique risks. But here are some of the common risks.

• Infection at the injection site.
• Bleeding from the injection site.
• Accidental injection of medication into a blood vessel .
• The drug spreads unexpectedly to other nerves or the spinal cord.

Therefore, before undergoing treatment, carefully discuss with your doctor the type of nerve block you are going to have, as well as its benefits and risks.

When do you need to talk to the doctor?

After treatment, if you develop any new symptoms such as signs of infection (redness, swelling, fever), inflammation, unusual tingling or weakness at the injection site , call your doctor immediately . In case of an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Nerve blocks are a great way to treat a variety of painful conditions. However, results can vary greatly from person to person. If you have any concerns or questions about this injection, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Nerve Block, Pain Management, Nerve Pain, Painkiller Injection, Epidural, Back Pain