What Is a Nerve Block? Types, Duration, and What to Expect

If you have been living with chronic pain, your doctor may have mentioned a nerve block as a treatment option. Nerve blocks are one of the most common and effective tools in pain management, and they can provide relief for conditions ranging from back pain and sciatica to migraines and complex regional pain syndrome. Still, many patients are unsure about what a nerve block actually involves, how long the effects last, and whether the procedure is right for them.

Schedule a consultation at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists to find out if a nerve block could help relieve your pain.

At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, Dr. Ajith Nair and his team perform nerve blocks regularly at two locations in Louisville and Radcliff, Kentucky. The practice also operates a Joint Commission-accredited ambulatory surgery center on-site, which means patients benefit from shorter wait times, lower procedure costs, and reduced infection risk compared to hospital settings. This guide walks you through the basics of nerve blocks so you can have an informed conversation with your pain management doctor.

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is an injection of medication, usually a local anesthetic or a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid, near a specific nerve or group of nerves. The goal is to interrupt pain signals traveling from a particular area of the body to the brain. By temporarily blocking those signals, the injection can reduce or eliminate pain in the targeted region.

Nerve blocks serve two purposes in pain management. First, they can be diagnostic: if a nerve block eliminates your pain, it confirms that the targeted nerve is the source of the problem. Second, they can be therapeutic: the medication provides direct pain relief that can last from several hours to several months, depending on the type of block and the medications used.

According to the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), nerve blocks have been used in clinical practice for over a century, and modern imaging guidance has made them safer and more precise than ever. Today, most nerve blocks are performed using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to ensure the medication reaches the exact right location.

Types of Nerve Blocks Used in Pain Management

There are many different types of nerve blocks, and the right one depends on where your pain is located and what is causing it. Here is an overview of the most common categories.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. They are among the most frequently performed nerve blocks for back and neck pain. Epidurals can target the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. They are commonly used to treat herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and degenerative disc disease. Pain relief from an epidural steroid injection typically begins within two to five days and can last from several weeks to several months.

Facet Joint Injections

Facet joint injections target the small joints along the back of the spine that allow your vertebrae to move and flex. These injections combine a local anesthetic with a corticosteroid and are used both to diagnose and to treat facet joint pain. Patients with arthritis, whiplash injuries, or degenerative changes in the spine often benefit from facet joint blocks. When facet joint injections confirm that these joints are the pain source, your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Sympathetic nerve blocks target the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like blood flow and sweating. A stellate ganglion block targets sympathetic nerves in the neck and is used for conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the upper body, certain types of facial pain, and even post-COVID symptom relief. Lumbar sympathetic blocks target the lower back and can help with CRPS affecting the legs and certain vascular pain conditions.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks target individual nerves outside the spinal cord. Common examples include occipital nerve blocks for chronic headaches and migraines, intercostal nerve blocks for chest wall pain, and sciatic nerve blocks for leg pain. These blocks inject anesthetic and sometimes steroid medication directly around the nerve causing pain. Peripheral nerve stimulators are a related option for patients who respond well to peripheral nerve blocks but need longer-term relief.

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections target tight knots of muscle (trigger points) that can refer pain to other areas of the body. The injection contains a local anesthetic, sometimes mixed with a corticosteroid, and is placed directly into the trigger point. These blocks are often used for myofascial pain syndrome, tension headaches, and fibromyalgia-related muscle pain.

How Long Does a Nerve Block Last?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how long a nerve block will last. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of block, the medications used, and your individual response to treatment.

Type of Nerve Block	Typical Duration of Relief	Common Uses
Diagnostic nerve block (anesthetic only)	2 to 8 hours	Identifying the pain source
Epidural steroid injection	2 weeks to 6 months	Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica
Facet joint injection	2 weeks to 3 months	Facet joint arthritis, neck and back pain
Sympathetic nerve block	1 week to several months	CRPS, vascular pain, post-COVID symptoms
Peripheral nerve block	6 hours to several months	Headaches, localized nerve pain
Trigger point injection	Days to several weeks	Myofascial pain, tension headaches

Some patients experience pain relief that lasts longer than the medication itself should work. This happens because the block can break the pain cycle, allowing muscles to relax and inflamed tissues to heal. In other cases, a series of nerve blocks given over time can provide progressively longer periods of relief.

A 2020 review published in the journal Pain Medicine found that repeated epidural steroid injections provided meaningful pain relief for 40% to 84% of patients with lumbar radiculopathy, with some patients reporting benefits for six months or longer after a series of injections.

What to Expect During a Nerve Block Procedure

Knowing what happens during a nerve block can help ease any anxiety before your appointment. Here is a step-by-step overview of the typical process.

1. Pre-procedure preparation: Your doctor will review your medical history, current medications, and any allergies. You may need to stop blood thinners for a few days before the procedure. Arrive at the clinic wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
2. Positioning: Depending on the type of nerve block, you will be asked to sit up or lie face down on a procedure table. The treatment area will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
3. Numbing the skin: A small amount of local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin at the injection site. This may sting briefly.
4. Guided needle placement: Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound for guidance, your doctor will direct a thin needle to the target nerve or nerve group. You may feel pressure but should not feel sharp pain.
5. Medication injection: Once the needle is in position, the anesthetic and/or steroid medication is injected. The injection itself takes about 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Monitoring and recovery: You will rest in a recovery area for 15 to 30 minutes while the medical team monitors you for any immediate reactions. Most patients can go home the same day.

The entire procedure, from preparation to completion, typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, nerve blocks are performed in the on-site ambulatory surgery center or in a procedure room, depending on the type of block.

Ready to discuss nerve block options for your pain? Book an appointment at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists today.

What to Expect After a Nerve Block

After your nerve block, you may notice numbness or a warm sensation in the treated area. This is a normal sign that the anesthetic is working. Here is what to keep in mind during recovery.

• Immediate effects: Local anesthetic typically provides relief within 15 to 45 minutes. If a steroid was included, the anti-inflammatory benefits usually develop over two to five days.
• Activity level: Most patients can resume light activities the same day. Your doctor may recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or driving for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Minor side effects: Temporary soreness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a day or two. Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can help.
• Follow-up: Your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit to assess your response. If the block provided significant relief, it confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the next steps in your treatment plan.

Serious complications from nerve blocks are rare. According to Stanford Medicine’s Regional Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine Division, major complications such as nerve damage or infection occur in fewer than 0.1% of procedures. Patients with bleeding disorders, active infections, or certain allergies may not be candidates for nerve blocks, which is why a thorough medical evaluation is part of the process.

Are Nerve Blocks Right for You?

Nerve blocks are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They work best as part of a broader pain management plan that may include physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle changes. Your pain management specialist will consider several factors when determining whether a nerve block is appropriate for your situation:

• The location and type of your pain
• How long you have been experiencing symptoms
• Which treatments you have already tried
• Your overall health and medical history
• Whether your pain is likely to respond to nerve-targeted treatment

For patients whose pain responds well to diagnostic nerve blocks, the next step may involve more lasting treatments. Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to disable the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals and can provide relief for six months to two years. For widespread chronic pain, spinal cord stimulation or an intrathecal pain pump may be options worth discussing with your doctor.

Why Patients Choose Kentuckiana Pain Specialists for Nerve Blocks

Kentuckiana Pain Specialists has been providing pain management care to the Louisville and Elizabethtown, Kentucky area for over 30 years. Dr. Ajith Nair is board-certified in pain medicine with six active board certifications and holds a faculty appointment at the University of Louisville. The practice offers the full range of nerve block procedures, from simple peripheral nerve blocks to advanced image-guided spinal injections.

Having a Joint Commission-accredited ambulatory surgery center on-site means patients can receive their procedures in a dedicated surgical environment without the costs and delays of a hospital setting. Ambulatory surgery centers have been shown to offer 45% to 60% lower costs and 50% lower infection rates compared to hospitals, according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

The practice accepts 17 major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and offers flexible payment options for patients without insurance coverage. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with phone access available 24/7 for patient needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nerve Blocks

Do nerve blocks hurt?

Most patients report feeling a brief sting when the skin is numbed and then pressure during the injection itself. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and mild sedation is available if needed. Any soreness at the injection site usually fades within one to two days.

How many nerve blocks can I have?

The number of nerve blocks you can receive depends on the type and your response to treatment. For steroid-containing injections, most doctors recommend no more than three to four injections in the same area per year. Diagnostic blocks and certain peripheral nerve blocks may be repeated more frequently. Your pain management doctor will create a schedule that balances effective pain relief with safety.

Can I drive myself home after a nerve block?

In most cases, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after a nerve block. The procedure can cause temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area, and if sedation is used, you will not be able to drive until it wears off. Your doctor will let you know what to expect based on the specific type of block you are receiving.

What is the difference between a nerve block and a cortisone shot?

A cortisone shot is a specific type of injection that delivers a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation in joints, tendons, or other soft tissues. A nerve block specifically targets nerves to interrupt pain signals and may or may not include a steroid component. Some nerve blocks use only a local anesthetic for diagnostic purposes. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different clinical goals.

Will a nerve block cure my pain?

Nerve blocks do not cure the underlying condition causing your pain. They are a tool for managing pain and can help identify the source of the problem. For many patients, nerve blocks provide enough relief to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation, which can address the root cause of pain over time.

Living with chronic pain can affect every part of your life. Contact Kentuckiana Pain Specialists to learn how nerve blocks and other treatments can help you get back to the activities you enjoy.