Nerve Blocks Explained: What to Expect During the Procedure

Chronic pain affects millions of people each year, and for many, it becomes a daily barrier to work, mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life. When pain persists despite medications, physical therapy, or rest, many patients begin looking for more targeted, effective solutions. One of the most reliable and minimally invasive options available today is the nerve block injection, a widely used pain management procedure that helps calm irritated nerves, reduce inflammation, and interrupt the cycle of chronic pain.

Nerve blocks have become a cornerstone of modern pain management because they offer both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. They can help providers pinpoint the exact source of pain and deliver long-lasting relief without the need for invasive surgery or long-term reliance on prescription medications. This makes them an excellent option for patients looking to avoid or delay more aggressive treatments.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what nerve blocks are, the different types, what to expect before and after the procedure, and how they fit into a complete chronic pain relief plan.

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is an injection of anesthetic, anti-inflammatory medication, or both, delivered near a nerve or group of nerves. The goal is simple: reduce or stop the pain signals being sent from that nerve to the brain.

Many people are surprised to learn that nerve blocks serve multiple purposes:

1. Diagnostic Nerve Blocks

If a provider suspects a particular nerve is causing pain but wants confirmation, a diagnostic nerve block is used. If the patient experiences immediate relief, the source of the pain is accurately identified.

2. Therapeutic Nerve Blocks

These are designed to provide longer-lasting relief by reducing inflammation and calming irritated nerves. Relief may last weeks to months depending on the condition.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are incredibly versatile. They’re used to manage:

• Chronic neck or back pain
• Sciatica and nerve root irritation
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint arthritis
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
• Migraine and occipital neuralgia
• Neuropathy
• Post-traumatic pain
• Post-surgical nerve pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Their effectiveness stems from being highly targeted, delivering medication exactly where it’s needed most.

Types of Nerve Blocks

There are dozens of nerve block variations, but below are the most common ones used in outpatient pain management.

1. Epidural Steroid Blocks

Epidural blocks are among the most well-known nerve block procedures, especially for spine pain.

Commonly used for:

• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Radiculopathy
• Pinched nerves

How they work

Medication is injected into the epidural space around the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

Duration of relief

Anywhere from several weeks to several months.

2. Medial Branch Blocks (Facet Joint Blocks)

Facet joints support spine movement, but they can become painful from injury, posture, or arthritis.

Commonly used for:

• Chronic neck or lower back pain
• Pain that worsens with bending or twisting

How they work

Anesthetic is placed around the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. If relief is significant, radiofrequency ablation may follow for longer-term results.

3. SI Joint (Lateral Branch) Blocks

The sacroiliac joint sits at the base of the spine and is responsible for stability when standing or walking.

Commonly used for:

• Buttock or lower back pain
• Pain after prolonged standing
• Pelvic instability

How they work

Medication is injected near the nerves that supply the SI joint to reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Occipital Nerve Blocks

These are particularly helpful for head and neck pain.

Commonly used for:

• Migraines
• Occipital neuralgia
• Tension headaches

How they work

Anesthetic is injected at the base of the skull near the greater and lesser occipital nerves.

5. Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

The sympathetic nervous system controls blood flow, sweating, and certain pain responses.

Commonly used for:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Severe limb pain
• Vascular-related pain

How they work

Medication is injected around sympathetic nerve chains in the neck or lower back to interrupt pain and improve function.

6. Peripheral Nerve Blocks

These blocks target individual nerves throughout the arms, legs, hands, or feet.

Commonly used for:

• Neuropathy
• Localized nerve injuries
• Post-surgical pain

How they work

Anesthetic is injected near a specific nerve, providing localized relief.

What to Expect Before the Procedure

Many patients feel anxious before a pain management procedure, but nerve blocks are straightforward, outpatient-based, and usually completed in under 20 minutes.

1. Initial Consultation

Your provider reviews symptoms, medical history, and imaging to decide which nerve block will be most effective.

2. Pre-Procedure Instructions

These may include:

• Avoiding certain blood thinners
• Eating lightly
• Wearing comfortable clothing
• Arranging a ride home (if sedation will be used)

3. Imaging Review

Nerve blocks are performed using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound to ensure accuracy. Providers will explain the imaging modality and why it’s recommended.

What Happens During the Procedure?

The procedure itself is quick and usually very tolerable.

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Positioning: You’ll lie on a procedure table depending on the targeted nerve.
2. Cleansing and Numbing: The skin is sterilized, and a small amount of local anesthetic is injected for comfort.
3. Image-Guided Needle Placement: Using X-ray or ultrasound, the provider precisely guides the needle to the target area.
4. Medication Injection: A mixture of anesthetic and steroid (or just anesthetic for diagnostic blocks) is injected.
5. Monitoring: You’ll remain in the clinic for a short observation period before being released.

Most patients describe the experience as quick, with mild pressure or discomfort at most.

Recovery and Aftercare

One of the greatest benefits of nerve blocks is the minimal downtime required.

Immediately After the Procedure

It’s normal to experience:

• Mild numbness
• Temporary weakness
• A warm or heavy sensation
• Soreness at the injection site

These effects typically wear off in a few hours.

Pain Relief Timeline

• Immediate relief: From the anesthetic (may last several hours).
• Delayed relief: Steroid medication often takes 2–7 days to reach full effect.
• Total duration: Relief may last from several weeks to several months, depending on the diagnosis and type of injection.

Activity Guidelines

Most patients can resume normal activity within 24 hours, but you should avoid:

• Heavy lifting
• High-impact exercise
• Hot tubs or baths for the first day

Risks and Side Effects

Though nerve blocks are very safe, risks can include:

• Minor bleeding or bruising
• Temporary soreness
• Allergic reaction (rare)
• Infection (very rare)
• Nerve irritation (temporary)

Your provider will review your health history to ensure the lowest possible risk.

How Nerve Blocks Support Long-Term Pain Relief

A nerve block isn’t just a “quick fix.” It often plays a key role in a holistic treatment plan that may include:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Strengthening and stretching routines
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Additional injections or radiofrequency ablation

By reducing pain enough to allow movement, patients can participate in therapies that support long-term healing.

The Bottom Line

A nerve block injection is one of the most effective, minimally invasive tools available in modern pain management. Whether used to diagnose the cause of chronic pain or to treat inflammation and nerve irritation directly, nerve blocks provide fast, targeted relief with minimal downtime. For patients struggling with persistent spine, head, joint, or nerve-related pain, they can be a life-changing step toward restoring mobility and function—without surgery.

If you're experiencing chronic pain and want to explore your treatment options, nerve blocks may be the solution that gets you back to living and moving comfortably again. At Greater Austin Pain Center, our experienced pain management team provides personalized, evidence-based treatments designed to help you move, work, and live more comfortably.

Schedule your consultation today at one of our convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, or Dripping Springs. Together, we can find safer, more effective solutions for lasting pain relief.