The physicians of Innovative Pain Specialists may recommend a peripheral nerve block for your pain. This is common for many different neuropathic pain conditions as well as some post-surgical conditions. For example, if your doctor evaluates you and finds that your pain is originating from a specific nerve or set of nerves, he may choose to perform a peripheral nerve block.
This is an office based procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia. The area will be cleansed in a sterile manner and the nerve will be identified with the use of ultrasound guidance. In some instances, fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray guidance) may be used for needle placement. A small needle is advanced near the affected nerve and visualized on the ultrasound screen or the x-ray screen. At this point local anesthetic with or without steroid will be injected. The needle will be removed and a sterile bandage will be placed onto your skin. You will be sent home and asked to follow up in two weeks to determine your response to the procedure. If you get significant relief, but short lasting, then you may be a candidate for long-term pain control with radiofrequency ablation.
