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Nerve Block

Nerve Block for Diagnostic and Pain Relief Purposes

A nerve block is an image-guided injection used to temporarily interrupt pain signals from specific nerves. Nerve blocks may be used to diagnose the source of pain, reduce inflammation, or provide short-term pain relief as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan.

At Motionis Medicine, nerve blocks are performed using advanced imaging as part of a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach.

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Understanding the Procedure

WHAT IS A NERVE BLOCK?

Nerves transmit pain signals from injured or irritated tissues to the brain. A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with anti-inflammatory medication, near a specific nerve or group of nerves.

The goals of a nerve block may include:

  • Temporarily reducing pain signals

  • Identifying the specific nerve contributing to pain

  • Improving function and tolerance for activity

  • Guiding further treatment decisions

Nerve blocks are typically outpatient procedures and do not involve surgery.

When Is This Treatment Used?

CONDITIONS EVALUATED OR TREATED WITH NERVE BLOCKS

Nerve blocks are commonly used when pain is suspected to originate from a specific nerve pathway and may be associated with conditions such as:

Nerve blocks are often considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications.

Targeted Based on Pain Location

TYPES OF NERVE BLOCKS

The type of nerve block used depends on the location and suspected source of pain. Examples include:

  • Selective nerve root blocks

  • Peripheral nerve blocks

  • Diagnostic nerve blocks

    to isolate pain generators

Your physician will determine the most appropriate type based on clinical evaluation and imaging.

What to Expect

HOW A NERVE BLOCK IS PERFORMED

Nerve blocks are performed using real-time image guidance to ensure accurate placement of medication near the targeted nerve or nerve group responsible for pain transmission. On the day of the procedure:

  1. Patient Positioning

    Patients are positioned to allow precise access to the intended nerve pathway

  2. Local Anesthesia

    The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

  3. Image Guidance

    Fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance is used to identify the correct nerve location

  4. Targeted Injection

    Medication is carefully delivered adjacent to the nerve

  5. Recovery Monitoring

    Patients are monitored briefly before discharge.

The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and most patients return home the same day.

Why This Procedure Is Often a Decision Point

HOW NERVE BLOCKS ARE USED IN PAIN EVALUATION & TREATMENT

Nerve blocks are used when pain is suspected to originate from a specific nerve pathway but the exact source needs clarification or targeted relief. Unlike treatments designed for long-term pain control, nerve blocks are often used to inform treatment direction rather than serve as a standalone solution.

  • Diagnostic Insight

    Help determine whether a particular nerve is contributing to symptoms

  • Temporary Relief

    Temporarily reduce nerve-related pain that limits movement or daily activity

  • Treatment Guidance

    Clarify whether additional, longer-lasting treatments may be appropriate

Because the effects of a nerve block are temporary by design, the patient’s response is closely evaluated. Relief patterns help guide next steps, which may include additional injections, more targeted procedures, or non-surgical treatment strategies focused on the underlying condition.

Precision and Accuracy

IMAGE GUIDANCE & SAFETY

Image guidance allows the physician to:

  • Accurately target the intended nerve

  • Avoid surrounding structures

  • Confirm appropriate medication placement

This approach reflects modern best practices in interventional pain management.

Physician Expertise

PHYSICIAN EXPERTISE

Portrait of Doctor Tanuj Palvia, MD, board-certified interventional pain physician

All nerve blocks at Motionis Medicine are performed by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with advanced training in image-guided spine and nerve procedures.

Dr. Palvia personally evaluates each patient and determines whether a nerve block is appropriate as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical care plan.

Learn more about Dr. Palvia
RESULTS & EXPECTATIONS

What Outcomes Can Patients Expect?

Response to nerve blocks varies depending on the condition and individual factors. Patients may experience:

  • Temporary pain relief lasting hours to weeks

  • Improved understanding of pain source

  • Guidance for future treatment options

Nerve blocks are not curative but are valuable tools for diagnosis and symptom management.

RELATED TREATMENTS

Depending on diagnosis and response, nerve blocks may be combined with or followed by:

NON-SURGICAL SPINE CARE OPTIONS & PELVIC CARE OPTIONS

Broader Clinical Approaches

Nerve blocks may be part of a broader non-surgical pain management approach that includes:

FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

Relief may be temporary and varies based on the type of block and underlying condition.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic is used to minimise discomfort.

It can serve either or both roles, depending on how it is used in your care plan.

Your response helps guide next steps, which may include additional injections or other treatments.

Schedule a Pain Evaluation

If nerve-related pain is affecting your daily life, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether a nerve block is appropriate.

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