Nerve Block Injection

Question 1

What is Nerve block?

Answer 1

Nerve blocks are designed to stop the feelings that go through targeted nerves. A suprascapular nerve block can relieve your shoulder pain long enough for you to complete your physical therapy. An intercostal nerve block stops pain in nerves in your chest. An ilioinguinal and an iliohypogastric nerve block give you relief from groin pain. Dr. Melepura, a top rated pain doctor in NYC can offer a variety of options to treat your pain. Make an appointment in our NYC sports injury clinic today.

Nerve Block Injection Specialist in NYC · Sports Injury ClinicSometimes, following an injury or before you begin physical therapy, your body needs a break from the onslaught of pain. Receiving a nerve block gives your body just that: temporary relief. And that may be all you need to get on track with your new exercise regimen or allow your body sufficient rest as it heals.

In Midtown Manhattan, your sports medicine and pain management doctor provides nerve block injections in a variety of places where your suffering may originate, including your:

Hips
Knees
Ankles
Shoulders
Elbows
Feet
Wrists
Chest
Groin
Upper thigh
Nerve block injections are commonly used on professional and amateur athletes who suffer with upper back pain, lower back pain and middle back pain. Whether you have a back injury, a severe back sprain, a pulled muscle in your back or facet joint syndrome, a nerve block may help you avoid invasive procedures like surgery.

Question 2

The Basics of a Nerve Block

Answer 2

A nerve block is an injection of steroids and anesthetics directly into the spot that’s causing you pain. Steroids reduce inflammation, while the anesthetic provide pain relief. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes and is performed right in your NYC doctor’s office.

You lie on an x-ray table so that your doctor can see x-ray images in real time. This arrangement helps guide the placement of the needle. He may inject some contrast dye to highlight the area even further. Once the injection is made, you have to wait about 15 more minutes to give it time to work and to ensure you don’t have any side effects.

Question 3

Benefits and Risks

Answer 3

Nerve blocks — including an intercostal nerve block designed to treat pain after a surgery or where you had shingles on your chest, a suprascapular nerve block for shoulder pain or ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks for your upper thighs and groin areas — are only temporary fixes. Each lasts only a week or two.

After the medications are absorbed by your body, the pain returns. But the reprieve may be all you need to participate fully in physical therapy or rest. Risks are rare, especially when compared to the benefits. Risks include:

Infection
Bruising or bleeding at the site of the injection
Medication accidentally entering your blood stream
Medication spreading to nearby nerves
Hitting the wrong nerve, which the x-rays help prevent

Question 4

Suprascapular Nerve Block

Answer 4

A suprascapular nerve block targets those nerves in your shoulder that often become painful due to:

Rotator cuff damage
Bursitis
Arthritis
Degenerative joint disease
Over time, after years of enjoying your sport, you may need a suprascapular nerve block if you played:

Basketball
Baseball
Swimming
Volleyball

Question 5

Intercostal Nerve Block

Answer 5

Intercostal nerves are located under your ribs. Your New York City sports medicine and pain management physician usually provides intercostal nerve blocks if you have:

Pain after a surgical incision that isn’t healing right
A particularly bad case of shingles
The intercostal nerve block procedure also is commonly used as a diagnostic tool when imaging tests don’t reveal the exact location of an injury or disease that’s causing your chest pains. It takes about 30 minutes in your New York City doctor’s office. When delivered for pain relief, it’s often the only treatment you’ll need.

Question 6

Ilioinguinal and Iliohypogastric Nerve Block

Answer 6

The ilioinguinal nerve crosses the iliohypogastric nerve as they leave the lower part of your spine and continue down your upper thighs through to your groin. Because they are so small and wound around your pelvis, both nerves are at risk for damage during abdominal surgery, an appendectomy, C-section or even laparoscopic surgery.

Contact sports such as football and wear-and-tear activities such as running can lead to groin traumas that cause chronic pain, but ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks effectively treat this pain. It’s common to get a nerve block following hernia surgery too.

Question 7

Risks vs. Benefits

Answer 7

Everyone has different experiences with nerve blocks, but most people find at least temporary relief, something they are very grateful for. Usually, it’s fear of the needle that’s more acute than the needle itself. And your Midtown Manhattan team of specialists ensures your comfort and safety throughout the entire procedure.

A little bit of soreness for the months of reprieve from constant pain is a welcomed exchange. You and your doctor can then decide follow-up plans of action to relieve the source of your pain or agree to regularly scheduled visits to monitor your response and give you additional nerve blocks when needed.