When is a Nerve Block the Best Solution to Your Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is not a word you want to hear when it pertains to you and your health. The very definition of chronic pain is that it is continual and has been bothering you for many months at a time. Too often, people feel that they just have to suck it up and fight through it. But you know that is easier said than done.

In addition to the obvious physical pain, the condition causing your chronic pain can stress your body and affect other areas, as you try to compensate in order to avoid the pain. And you may suffer emotionally, as well. It is not uncommon for chronic pain to cause depression, anger, and fear.

If you are experiencing chronic pain and need relief, come in to see us at Wellington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. With multiple locations in the Cincinnati area, we are here to help find the best possible pain management plan for you. We realize that everyone is different, and we always work with you as an individual to meet your specific needs.

One of your options may be a nerve block. Here’s what you need to know about this treatment.

Conditions a nerve block may help

You know all too well that if you suffer from chronic pain, your quality of life suffers. How many days of work have you had to miss? What about social and life events for friends, family, or even yourself? A nerve block might be the solution if you have one of these conditions, among others:

• Neck pain
• Back pain, especially the low back
• Sciatica
• Disc issues, including degenerative disc disease and herniated or bulging discs
• Nerve pain
• Leg pain

There are specific nerve blocks that we use for specific conditions and areas of your body. A cervical, thoracic, or lumbar epidural block is used for the neck and back, while a cervical plexus or paravertebral block is used for the shoulder or upper neck. Our highly experienced physicians walk you through all of your options and determine if a nerve block is the best choice for you.

When a nerve block is the best choice

A nerve block  is an injection of a local anesthetic and steroid that we guide directly into the area of the affected nerve. Often this is a step we use to try to prevent surgery or more invasive procedures. While it affects everyone differently, a nerve block can offer you great relief.

If traditional treatments are not providing you the relief you need, and your pain is constant and extreme, we may suggest trying a nerve block. The same goes if your quality of life is directly impacted in a negative way. Obviously, the goal is to decrease or eliminate your pain and allow the affected area to heal.

In fact, nerve blocks may provide you with more mobility and function and allow us to be more aggressive with your physical therapy treatments. Stretching and exercising is essential but nearly impossible if you are in extreme, chronic pain. And if you are suffering, we may not be able to provide you other highly beneficial treatments.

Our goal is to use our experience and deep knowledge to help eliminate or decrease your pain. Call us for an appointment or book conveniently online right here. Let us get you back on your feet.