Nerve Block

Nerve block therapy is an advanced pain management treatment that interrupts pain signals traveling through specific nerves. At Samaritan Sports Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina, Benjamin Petty, MD, provides nerve block procedures to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. This treatment can be especially helpful for chronic back, neck, or joint pain and may allow you to delay or even avoid more invasive interventions. Call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more.

What is a nerve block?

A nerve block is a medical procedure that reduces or stops pain by interrupting pain signals traveling along a specific nerve or group of nerves. To perform the procedure, your Samaritan Sports Medicine provider injects medication, such as a local anesthetic, steroid, or both, near the targeted nerve. 

In some cases, your doctor may use a nerve block for diagnostic purposes to help determine your exact source of pain. By temporarily numbing or calming the nerve, they can better understand whether that nerve is contributing to your symptoms.

What issues can a nerve block address?

At Samaritan Sports Medicine, Dr. Petty performs nerve blocks to treat a wide range of painful conditions, especially those that don’t fully respond to oral medications or physical therapy. 

Common issues include:

• Chronic back, neck, or joint pain
• Sciatica and other nerve-related conditions
• Pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis
• Headaches or migraines
• Arthritis pain
• Postsurgical or postinjury pain

Beyond pain relief, nerve blocks may also help reduce inflammation and improve mobility, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and daily activities.

What can I expect during a nerve block procedure?

A nerve block is typically performed at Samaritan Sports Medicine as an outpatient procedure, usually taking less than an hour. After discussing your medical history, your provider cleans the injection site and may use imaging guidance, such as X-ray or ultrasound, to precisely place the needle. 

You might feel a quick pinch or slight pressure as they inject the medication. Some patients experience immediate relief, while for others, the effects may take a day or two to develop. Most people can go home the same day, though you may need someone to drive you if sedation is used.

How long do nerve block results last?

The duration of relief varies depending on the type of medication used, the underlying condition, and individual response. You may experience pain relief for a few days, weeks, or even months. 

In cases where the nerve block is especially effective, Dr. Petty can repeat the procedure periodically as part of a long-term pain management plan.

Book an appointment to find out if a nerve block might be right for you. Call the friendly office staff or schedule your visit through the online portal now.