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Nerve blocks are among the most powerful tools in interventional pain medicine.
At Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre, all nerve block procedures are performed under imaging guidance — either ultrasound or fluoroscopy — ensuring that medication is delivered with precision to the exact target.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Neeraj K. Dahiya (MBBS, MD, PDCC, CCEPC, FCPM), Pain & Palliative Care Specialist.
A nerve block is a procedure in which local anesthetic — with or without corticosteroid or other agents — is injected near a specific nerve or group of nerves to interrupt pain signal transmission. Nerve blocks can serve two purposes: Diagnostic (to confirm that a specific nerve is the source of your pain) and Therapeutic (to provide sustained pain relief).
• Lumbar epidural for back pain and sciatica
• Cervical epidural for neck and arm pain
• Caudal epidural for lower lumbar/sacral conditions
• Stellate Ganglion Block: For upper limb CRPS, phantom limb pain, vascular insufficiency
• Lumbar Sympathetic Block: For lower limb CRPS, peripheral vascular disease
• Celiac Plexus Block / Neurolysis: For upper abdominal and pancreatic cancer pain
• Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block: For pelvic and rectal cancer pain
• Ganglion Impar Block: For perineal and coccygeal pain
• Occipital nerve block for migraine and occipital neuralgia
• Intercostal nerve block for rib/chest wall pain
• Genicular nerve block for knee pain
• Suprascapular nerve block for shoulder pain
Q: Are nerve blocks painful?
A: The procedure involves a small needle prick for skin anesthesia. Most patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable but not significantly painful. Our doctors ensure patient comfort throughout.
Q: How long does a nerve block last?
A: Diagnostic blocks last hours to days. Therapeutic corticosteroid nerve blocks typically last 4–12 weeks. Neurolytic blocks for cancer pain can last months. Radiofrequency ablation following diagnostic blocks lasts 9–18 months.
Q: Is a nerve block safe?
A: When performed by trained physicians under imaging guidance, nerve blocks are safe and effective. We follow strict protocols and use only recommended medications and volumes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — NERVE BLOCK TREATMENT DELHI NCR
Q1. What is a nerve block?
A nerve block is an injection of local anaesthetic (and sometimes steroid) near a specific nerve or group of nerves to interrupt pain signals. It provides targeted relief for chronic pain conditions, precise diagnosis, and can have long-lasting effects.
Q2. What conditions can nerve blocks treat?
Nerve blocks treat sciatica, facet joint pain, occipital neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, cancer pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-herpetic neuralgia, and pain after surgery or injury.
Q3. What types of nerve blocks does Eshna offer?
We offer epidural nerve blocks, selective nerve root blocks, facet joint medial branch blocks, occipital nerve blocks, sympathetic nerve blocks (stellate ganglion, coeliac plexus, lumbar sympathetics), and peripheral nerve blocks.
Q4. How does a nerve block work?
Local anaesthetic blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing electrical signals from travelling along the nerve. This interrupts pain transmission from the affected area to the brain, providing relief.
Q5. Is a nerve block the same as an epidural?
An epidural is a specific type of nerve block where medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine, affecting multiple nerve roots. Other nerve blocks target individual nerves or specific nerve clusters.
Q6. How long does a nerve block last?
Local anaesthetic nerve blocks last hours to days. When combined with steroid, effects can last weeks to months. For diagnostic purposes, a short-acting block helps confirm the pain source before planning longer-term treatment.
Q7. Can nerve blocks be used to diagnose pain sources?
Yes. Diagnostic nerve blocks are a key tool in pain medicine. If pain resolves with a targeted block, this confirms the blocked nerve is the pain source and guides further treatment (such as radiofrequency ablation).
Q8. What is a sympathetic nerve block?
Sympathetic nerve blocks target the sympathetic nervous system — chains of nerves that contribute to pain from CRPS, vascular conditions, and certain visceral cancers. The coeliac plexus block for abdominal cancer pain is one example.
Q9. What is a stellate ganglion block?
A stellate ganglion block injects local anaesthetic near the stellate ganglion (sympathetic nerve cluster in the neck). It treats CRPS of the upper limb, facial pain, and certain vascular conditions of the arm and hand.
Q10. Are nerve blocks safe?
Yes. When performed by experienced interventional pain specialists under imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound), nerve blocks are very safe procedures with well-established efficacy and low complication rates.
Q11. What is the difference between a nerve block and radiofrequency ablation?
A nerve block provides temporary pain relief by numbing the nerve. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to permanently deactivate the nerve, providing much longer-lasting relief (months to years).
Q12. How many nerve block injections will I need?
This depends on the condition and response. A single block may provide lasting relief. Some conditions benefit from a series of 3 blocks. Diagnostic blocks are typically followed by a longer-term treatment.
Q13. Can nerve blocks help cancer pain?
Yes. Specific nerve blocks are highly effective for cancer pain. A coeliac plexus block dramatically reduces pain from pancreatic and upper abdominal cancers. Superior hypogastric plexus block treats pelvic cancer pain.
Q14. What should I expect during and after a nerve block procedure?
The procedure takes 15–30 minutes. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort during the injection. After, the treated area may feel warm or numb temporarily. Most patients can go home the same day.
Q15. How do I get a nerve block treatment at Eshna in Delhi NCR?
Contact Eshna Pain & Palliative Centre at +91 9811088148 or email eshnapaincarefoundation@gmail.com. Our pain specialists perform all types of nerve blocks under imaging guidance across Delhi NCR.