Nerve blocks are an important tool in modern pain management. They not only help patients find relief from chronic or acute pain but also serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for pinpointing the exact source of discomfort. Understanding the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic (relief-based) nerve blocks can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.
What Is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic, steroid, or other medication around a specific nerve or group of nerves. The goal is to interrupt pain signals being sent from the affected area to the brain. Depending on the type of nerve block, the procedure can be used to identify the pain source, treat the pain directly, or both.
Diagnostic Nerve Blocks: Finding the Source of Pain
When pain originates from multiple structures—such as joints, muscles, or nerves—it can be difficult to identify exactly where it’s coming from. A diagnostic nerve block helps determine which nerve or region is responsible.
- How It Works: A small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the suspected nerve.
- What to Expect: If pain temporarily improves, that nerve is likely the source of the problem. If not, your doctor may test another area.
- Purpose: These blocks guide future treatment decisions and may indicate whether a longer-lasting or therapeutic procedure (like radiofrequency ablation) is appropriate.
Diagnostic nerve blocks are especially useful for conditions like facet joint pain, sciatica, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Therapeutic (Relief-Based) Nerve Blocks: Managing Pain
Once the pain source has been identified, a therapeutic nerve block can be used to provide longer-term relief.
- How It Works: The injection may include a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and provide relief that lasts for weeks or even months.
- Goal: To reduce chronic pain, improve function, and decrease the need for oral medications.
- Common Uses: Managing pain from spinal arthritis, nerve injuries, or post-surgical discomfort.
Therapeutic nerve blocks can be repeated periodically or combined with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to support ongoing recovery.
The Dual Benefit: Diagnosis and Relief in One
In many cases, patients experience both diagnostic clarity and symptom improvement after a nerve block. Even when the primary goal is diagnostic, temporary relief can help restore mobility and improve quality of life. This combination makes nerve blocks a cornerstone of comprehensive pain management.
What to Expect During and After a Nerve Block
The procedure is typically done under imaging guidance (like ultrasound or fluoroscopy) to ensure accuracy. Most patients can return home shortly after the injection. Some temporary soreness at the injection site is common, but serious complications are rare.
- Relief Timeline: Diagnostic blocks provide short-term relief (a few hours). Therapeutic blocks can last from several days to several months.
- Next Steps: Based on your response, your pain specialist may recommend repeat injections, advanced treatments, or physical rehabilitation.
When to Talk to a Pain Specialist
If you experience chronic or localized pain that hasn’t improved with standard treatments, a nerve block may be an effective next step. Discuss your symptoms with a pain management specialist who can help determine whether a diagnostic or therapeutic nerve block is right for you.
Bottom Line:
Nerve blocks serve two critical roles in pain management—diagnosing the root cause of pain and providing targeted relief. Understanding these differences empowers patients to take a more active role in their recovery and to pursue treatments that bring lasting comfort and improved function.