Peripheral Nerve Block
A targeted injection around a specific nerve to diagnose and relieve pain in the area that nerve supplies.
What Is Peripheral Nerve Block?
A peripheral nerve block places numbing medicine, sometimes with a steroid, around a specific nerve outside the spine. It can reduce pain in the area that nerve supplies and also help confirm which nerve is causing your symptoms.
Conditions It May Help
- Occipital neuralgia and some headaches
- Nerve entrapment or nerve injury pain
- Chronic pain after surgery
- Certain chest wall, abdominal, arm or leg nerve pain
How It Is Done
The skin is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, Dr. Rema guides a thin needle to the nerve and injects the medicine. Most blocks take about 10 to 30 minutes.
What to Expect
The area may feel numb for several hours. Protect it from injury until feeling returns. Most people resume normal activities the same or next day. Your response helps guide next steps, which may include repeat blocks or other treatments.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Soreness, bruising and temporary numbness or weakness. Uncommon risks include infection, bleeding and nerve injury. Dr. Rema will review your medical history and medications, including blood thinners, before your procedure.
Take the Next Step
Call 845-245-6033 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rema at Hudson Valley Pain Management, 33 Grand Street, Suite 33A, Kingston, NY 12401. Results vary from person to person, and Dr. Rema will review the benefits and risks for your situation.