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Dr. Scott Fishman, a renowned pain specialist, addresses common queries about managing back pain:
Q: Can a nerve block alleviate my back pain even if the exact nerve causing the pain remains unidentified?
A: The term 'nerve block' encompasses a range of injections designed to manage pain. Initially developed for surgical purposes and diagnostic use, these injections are now primarily employed to alleviate pain originating from a specific nerve.
Many nerve blocks are highly targeted, focusing on particular nerves. Others are more generalized, addressing broader regions where nerve irritation commonly occurs. A widely used example of a non-specific block is the epidural steroid injection.
Nerve blocks typically involve injecting medication, such as a local anesthetic or anti-inflammatory drug, to stop pain signals from traveling along affected nerves or to reduce inflammation in the targeted area. The concentration of the local anesthetic is usually kept low to ensure pain relief without impairing movement, thereby avoiding temporary paralysis.
Whether using a local anesthetic or an anti-inflammatory drug, the medication circulates through the body for hours to weeks, with pain relief potentially being short-lived. However, the benefits of interrupting pain signals or reducing inflammation can have longer-lasting effects.
A cornerstone of pain management, the traditional epidural steroid injection delivers medication to the inflamed or irritated area surrounding the spinal cord, making it a widely used nerve block in many clinics.
The facet block is one of the most precise treatments for back pain, targeting tiny nerve fibers that may be causing discomfort. Many back pain sufferers are familiar with the sensation of a problematic facet joint, often characterized by pain radiating from the lower back to the buttock and thigh.
While pain medicine offers a variety of nerve blocks, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. These treatments are most effective for pain originating from a specific area, such as the back, legs, arms, or face. Although they may provide temporary relief or, in some cases, a single-dose solution, nerve blocks are generally safe, quick, and well-tolerated when administered by trained professionals in appropriate settings.
