Neck, Back, or Joint Pain That Won’t Go Away? Nerve Blocks Could Be the Answer
When you’re living with back, neck, or joint pain, finding a treatment that actually works—and lasts—can feel impossible. Injections like cortisone might help for a little while, but when the pain keeps coming back, it’s time to ask: Is there something more targeted?
That’s where nerve blocks come in.
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, or dealing with sciatica, nerve blocks offer fast, focused relief by targeting the exact source of your pain. Let’s break down how they work, who they’re for, and what makes them different from traditional pain injections.
What Is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is a procedure where a local anesthetic (and sometimes steroids) is injected directly around a nerve or group of nerves to block pain signals. Unlike cortisone injections that treat inflammation, nerve blocks interrupt the pain pathway, often providing quicker and more specific relief.
Types of Pain Nerve Blocks Can Help
Nerve blocks are used to treat many conditions, including:
- Back pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis
- Neck pain due to arthritis or injury
- Chronic joint pain, especially in the hips, knees, and shoulders
- Post-surgical pain (e.g., after joint replacement)
- Sciatica or radiculopathy
- Pain from nerve damage or CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
Nerve Block vs. Cortisone: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Nerve Block | Cortisone Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Blocks pain signals | Reduces inflammation |
| Relief Speed | Often immediate | May take days |
| Duration of Relief | Temporary to long-term (with series) | Weeks to months |
| Best For | Nerve pain, surgical recovery | Joint inflammation, arthritis |
If you’ve been asking “Why doesn’t my pain injection last?”—a nerve block may be the answer.
What the Research Says
- A 2022 study in Pain Medicine found that lumbar nerve blocks significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain.
Read the study - The Journal of Anesthesia and Clinical Research notes that cervical medial branch blocks are an effective option for neck pain due to facet joint arthritis.
Review article
Pros and Cons of Nerve Blocks
Pros:
- Fast relief from intense pain
- Can be used diagnostically and therapeutically
- Outpatient, minimally invasive
- May reduce need for opioids or surgery
Cons:
- Temporary (may require repeat procedures)
- Some risks like bleeding or nerve irritation
- May not work for all types of pain
Is a Nerve Block Right for You?
If you’ve tried injections, medications, or even physical therapy—and the pain still lingers—nerve blocks could be a next step. They’re especially helpful if:
- You have pain shooting down your arms or legs
- You’ve had back or neck surgery, but still feel pain
- You want to avoid long-term medication use
- You’re managing arthritis or joint degeneration
At Wow Spine, we tailor every treatment plan to your body’s unique pain signals. Nerve blocks can be a powerful way to quiet those signals while we help you build a longer-term strategy for healing.
