Nerve Blocks
Targeted Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pain Management
A Nerve Block is a precise injection of local anesthetic and often a corticosteroid around a specific nerve or group of nerves. This procedure is designed to "shut off" pain signals from a specific area of the body, helping our specialists diagnose the exact source of your pain and provide immediate therapeutic relief.
Types of Specialized Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are highly versatile. Depending on the location and nature of your pain, our board-certified physicians may utilize several specialized techniques:
Medial Branch Blocks
Targeting the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints of the spine. This is often a diagnostic precursor to Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).
Genicular Nerve Blocks
Focusing on the sensory nerves of the knee joint. This provides significant relief for patients with chronic knee pain or those who are not candidates for knee replacement.
Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Block
Specifically used to treat Meralgia Paresthetica, a condition characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer thigh.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Targeting nerves outside the spinal cord to manage pain in the extremities, such as the occipital nerves (for headaches) or nerves in the shoulders and hips.
The Procedure and Recovery
All nerve blocks are performed in-office using live imaging guidance (Fluoroscopy or Ultrasound) to ensure the medication is delivered with millimetric precision directly to the target nerve.
- Immediate Diagnosis: If your pain subsides immediately following the injection, it confirms that the targeted nerve is the primary pain generator.
- Minimally Invasive: Most procedures take less than 15 minutes and require only local anesthesia.
- Fast Recovery: Most patients can resume their normal daily activities within 24 hours of the procedure.
Is a Nerve Block Right for You?
Nerve blocks are frequently utilized for conditions including:
- Chronic Spinal Pain (Neck and Back)
- Knee Osteoarthritis
- Meralgia Paresthetica (Outer Thigh Pain)
- Chronic Post-Surgical Pain
Our specialists are dedicated to finding the source of your pain. Contact us today to learn more about how targeted nerve blocks can help your recovery.
About Temecula Pain Management
For over a decade, Temecula Pain Management has been proudly serving the Inland Empire through advanced procedural techniques and medicines to help those in need to function better and once again enjoy life. Our highly trained and certified staff have received numerous awards and commendations as leaders in the field of pain management. When you are here, you are family, and as a family member, we will ensure we do everything in our power to help you live a happy and pain-free life.