Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are injections of a numbing substance around a nerve. The injection is done using ultrasound guidance to ensure safety and accuracy.
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Nerve blocks are used for both acute and chronic pain conditions. These injections can provide pain relief for several weeks to months. However in some cases, releasing nerves that are trapped by surrounding soft tissues can lead to permanent improvements such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Sometimes, nerve blocks are used for diagnostic purposes to determine where your pain is coming from. In this case, relief will only last hours but will help guide the next step in the treatment plan.
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Nerve blocks can be used in isolation, or in combination with other therapies like Trigger Point Injections, Medical Botox®, rehabilitation, or pharmaceutical medications.
​*Dr. Thompson does not provide epidurals, medial branch blocks, facet injections, or nerve root blocks
*Dr. Thompson does provide lateral branch blocks for SI joint pain
Common Questions
Conditions Treated
> Migraine & other headache
> PTSD (sup. cervical plexus)
> Muscular pain (with TPI)
> Pain post-knee replacement
> Nerve entrapments
> Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
> Concussion
> Low back / SI joint pain
Number of Treatments
Every patient is different. Some conditions will be completely alleviated with one treatment, others require serial treatments with stepwise improvement, usually spaced 2+ weeks apart.
Injection Details
1% Lidocaine is most often used, however there are alternatives in the case of sensitivity.
Potential Risks
A brief period of post-treatment numbness and rarely weakness is the most common secondary effect.
Risks of any injection include infection, bleeding, reaction to injectate and damage to adjacent structures.*
*Please refer to information link above.
Aftercare
Acetaminophen and NSAIDs like Ibuprofen are appropriate options for post treatment soreness.
Icing injection sites, proper hydration and progressive range of motion exercises are also effective to speed recovery.
Cost
Nerve blocks are an MSP-insured service. There is no cost to patients.
Medications injected may be charged for on a cost-recovery basis.