Targeted relief from nerve pain with precision and care
Chronic pain can interfere with everything from sleep to mobility to peace of mind. When medication and physical therapy no longer bring the relief you need, a nerve block may offer a more direct path forward. Apex Neurology offers this minimally invasive procedure for patients in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, New York, and Roslyn Heights who are looking for targeted pain management with real, lasting results.
Nerve blocks are used to both diagnose and treat nerve-related pain. Whether your symptoms are due to injury, surgery, inflammation, or a neurological condition, this procedure may help identify the source and reduce discomfort so you can focus on healing and living fully.
What Is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is a procedure in which a doctor injects medication directly near a specific nerve or group of nerves. The goal is to interrupt the pain signals being sent from that area to the brain. This is done using a combination of anesthetic and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication like steroids.
Nerve blocks can be temporary or longer-lasting, depending on the type of medication used and the condition being treated. Some are used for diagnostic purposes to help pinpoint the source of pain, while others are performed regularly as part of a pain management plan.
The procedure is typically done under imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound to ensure accuracy and safety. It can provide significant relief from both acute and chronic pain.
Who Can Benefit?
Nerve blocks are commonly recommended for people experiencing pain that does not respond well to medication or other conservative treatments. This includes:
- Patients with neuropathy, such as diabetic or post-surgical nerve pain
- People with chronic migraines or cluster headaches
- Individuals with sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy
- Patients recovering from shingles or suffering from postherpetic neuralgia
- Those with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Patients dealing with arthritis in the spine or other joints
- Individuals who cannot tolerate oral pain medications due to side effects
If your pain is preventing you from enjoying daily life, a nerve block may be worth considering as part of your care plan.
What to Expect
The procedure is performed in a calm, clinical setting, often at the Forest Hills or Brooklyn location. Before your appointment, your provider will review your medical history, imaging results, and current symptoms to determine the best approach.
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Preparation: You’ll be positioned comfortably, and the area where the injection will be given is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
- Guidance: Your doctor will use imaging (either fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to precisely locate the nerve or nerve group being targeted.
- Injection: A thin needle is used to inject the medication around the nerve. You may feel some pressure, but the procedure is generally quick and well-tolerated.
- Recovery: You’ll be monitored for a short time after the injection. Most people are able to walk out of the office shortly after.
- Results: Pain relief may be immediate, or it may take a few days depending on the medication. Some people experience relief for weeks or even months.
You may be asked to keep track of your pain levels after the procedure to determine how effective the nerve block was. This helps guide future treatment plans.
Where It Fits in Your Care Plan
A nerve block is often part of a broader strategy to manage pain and improve mobility. It may be used:
- To confirm a diagnosis by temporarily relieving pain in a targeted area
- As a stand-alone pain management solution
- In preparation for physical therapy, making it easier to stretch or exercise
- Alongside other treatments like oral medications, lifestyle changes, or infusions
- For patients who are avoiding or delaying surgery
Apex Neurology’s team works closely with each patient to understand their full medical picture and make decisions that reflect personal goals and needs.
Why Patients Choose Nerve Blocks at Apex Neurology
People choose Apex Neurology for nerve blocks because they feel supported, informed, and heard throughout the process. Reasons patients value this option include:
- Precise targeting of pain with image-guided techniques
- Minimally invasive relief without long recovery times
- Reduced reliance on daily medications that may cause side effects
- Support from an experienced neurological team who understands complex pain pathways
- Convenient access to care in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, New York, and Roslyn Heights
Whether you’re exploring a new option or continuing a pain management journey, this procedure offers real potential for comfort and improvement.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with nerve pain can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, it might be time to explore what a nerve block can do for you. Apex Neurology serves patients across the greater New York area, with offices in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, New York, and Roslyn Heights offering this advanced pain management procedure.
To learn more or schedule an evaluation, reach out to the Apex Neurology office closest to you. Relief could be closer than you think.
FAQs
Related Conditions and Services
Occipital and other nerve block injections relieve chronic migraine and chronic headache, neck pain, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, and back pain. Related procedures include trigger point injections and joint injections. Book an appointment to discuss nerve block options.
Further Reading from Apex Neurology
Some nerve blocks offer relief for several hours, while others may last weeks or months depending on the medication used and the nature of your condition.
Like any medical procedure, nerve blocks carry some risks, such as infection or bleeding. However, these complications are rare when the procedure is performed by experienced professionals.
Some people only need one nerve block, while others benefit from a series over time. Your provider will assess your response and discuss follow-up options.
Most insurance plans cover nerve blocks when medically necessary. Apex Neurology staff can help confirm your coverage and guide you through the approval process.
Most patients can resume daily activities shortly after the procedure, although some choose to rest for the remainder of the day. Always follow your provider’s post-care instructions.