The only thing that will help you get rid of your pain is treatment that targets nerves that transmit pain messages. This is what happens when Florida Medical Pain Management’s experienced physicians perform a rootblock or nervous block.
These are the facts about both treatments. Which one is right for you?
Root and nerve block work in the same way
Both treatments are nerve-focused and have the same goal: to relieve your pain. This is accomplished by injecting local anesthetic with or without steroids at the targeted nerve.
Steroids reduce nerve inflammation and ease pain. Anesthetics “block” nerve signals from reaching the nerve.
Your brain can’t receive the pain message if you block the nerve. This means that you won’t feel the pain, even if the source is still there.
No matter what block you have, the procedure we use is the same. The injection site is numbed, and then we use ultrasound imaging or real-time Xray to view the nerves. Finally, the needle is guided to the nerve.
Different locations are targeted by root blocks and nerve block
The location is what makes a root block different from a nerve block.
Locate root block
The nerve roots, which are the target of a rootblock, are located along your spine. These are where nerves return to and leave the spinal cord. Each vertebrae of your spine has an opening on each side that allows nerves to leave the spinal cord.
The nerve root is a group of nerves that lies outside the spinal cord. A root block is directed at these roots.
Once the nerves have left the root, they all travel to the same area of your body. They branch out to reach other parts. The nerve root is stopped from sending pain signals by injecting an anesthetic.
Nerve block location
Any nerve can be targeted by a nerve block. To ensure that we have targeted the correct nerve, we may perform a nerve block. Then, another procedure such as a radiofrequency Ablation will be performed to provide long-lasting pain relief. A nerve block could be your first treatment.
Treatments for root block and nerve block conditions
These two nerve blocks are used to reduce or prevent pain from any part of the body, and from almost any type of injury. Your diagnosis and the root cause of your pain will determine which one is best for you.
These are just some examples of the various types of blocks available and the conditions they can treat.
Blockage of the Lumbar sympathetic Nerve
This treatment targets the sympathetic nerves that run along your spine. To treat lower back pain and leg pain due to multiple conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), we may recommend a lumbar sympathetic nervous nerve block.
Blockage of the medial nerve
The medial nerve transmits pain messages from the spine (facet joints) to the medial nerve. This nerve block is used to treat pain from facet joint arthritis.
Blockage of the genicular nerve
Your brain tells the genicular nerves when you feel pain in your knees. A genicular nerve block can relieve pain from any problem in your knees, regardless of whether you have arthritis or an injury.
Occipital nerve block
This type of nerve block reduces migraine pain and other headaches because it blocks the occipital nerves that run from the back of the scalp to the top.
Blockage of the intercostal nerve
The pain you feel from your chest is carried by the intercostal nerves. This nerve block relieves pain from any chest condition such as rib fractures or lung surgery and shingles.
Selective nerve root block
This injection targets nerve roots that carry pain messages from spine conditions such as sciatica and herniated disks.
Root blocks and nerve block are effective ways to relieve pain that doesn’t improve with conventional medical care. Call Florida Medical Pain Management or book online to learn more.
This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.
