Nerve block is a treatment that uses anesthesia to relieve the pain of neuralgia and joint pain. The anesthesia varies depending on the area and symptoms, such as local anesthesia or steroid-containing anesthesia. It not only provides temporary pain relief, but also eliminates secondary pain caused by muscle tension, constriction of blood vessels, etc., and the effect can be sustained even after the anesthesia wears off. There are various types of nerve blocks, but at our clinic, we perform nerve root blocks, plexus blocks, stellate ganglion blocks, and peripheral nerve blocks.
Types of nerve blocks performed at our clinic
Stellate ganglion block (sympathetic nerve block)
Stellate ganglion block therapy is a nerve block that relieves stiff shoulders, neuralgia in the upper limbs, and chronic pain around the neck and shoulders. Anesthetic is injected into the “stellate ganglion” in and around the cervical region at the base of the neck, and is expected to improve cerebral blood flow and the hypothalamus in the brain, improve immunity, and regulate the autonomic nervous system and hormone balance.
Main cases
- Cervical disc herniation
- Herpes zoster
- Cervical radiculopathy, etc.
Nerve root block
Nerve root block is suitable for patients who suffer from herniated discs, spinal canal stenosis, or other conditions that cause nerve root compression and the inability to use parts of the body such as the arms or legs due to pain. Anesthesia and anti-inflammatory analgesics are injected directly into the nerve roots of the lumbar, thoracic, and sacral vertebrae to reduce inflammation and improve pain.
Main cases
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbar spinal canal stenosis
- Postoperative residual neuropathy
- Postherpetic neuralgia, etc.
Nerve plexus block
Nerve plexus block is a treatment for strained back or intractable back pain by injecting a local anesthetic into the area where the spinal nerves exit the hip bone and cross. The anesthetic blocks the transmission of the nerve, thus relieving the pain. In comparison to other nerve block injections, the plexus block is characterized by reduced pain.
Main cases
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Postherpetic neuralgia
- Lumbar spinal canal stenosis
- Lumbar spondylolisthesis
- Intractable back pain
- Strained back, etc.
Peripheral nerve block
Peripheral nerve blocks are used to relieve pain in the peripheral nerves by injecting a local anesthetic while checking the nerves with an ultrasound device (echo).
Main cases
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Elbow canal syndrome, etc.
Pain of nerve block
Because the treatment involves the use of an injection, it is painful to perform. The pain varies depending on the type of nerve block, for example, plexus block is less painful than other types. Please check with your doctor for details.
Side effects of nerve blocks
Since nerve block is an anesthetic treatment, there are no major side effects, but the following symptoms may occur in rare cases. If you have any concerns, please consult with your doctor.
Symptoms that may cause side effects
- Allergy to contrast agents or anesthetics
Frequency of clinic visits for nerve blocks
The duration of the effect of nerve block varies depending on the symptoms and conditions. Please check with your doctor for details.
| Guideline | Once a month at the most |
|---|
Treatment Process
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1Diagnosis
Based on the results of MRI and medical examination, the nerve causing the pain will be identified.
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2Treatment
Depending on the type of nerve block, anesthesia and anti-inflammatory drugs are injected into the nerve while taking an X-ray using contrast agent or using an echo. During the injection of the contrast agent and the drug, there will be some radiating pain along the nerve, but the pain will subside in about 10 seconds. After the treatment, you can rest for 30 minutes to an hour before going home.
Nerve block cost
All nerve blocks are covered by insurance.
※Regenerative medicine with PRP is not covered by insurance.
