Pain is not always caused by an injury you can see. Sometimes, pain happens because a nerve is irritated, compressed, inflamed, or sending abnormal signals. This type of pain may feel sharp, burning, shooting, electric, or difficult to explain.
Nerve blocks are targeted procedures that place medication near specific nerves to help reduce pain signals. They may be used to help diagnose where pain is coming from, provide temporary pain relief, or support a broader treatment plan for chronic pain.
At Gramercy Pain & Neuroscience Center in Beverly Hills, nerve blocks and injections are included among the clinic’s treatment categories, alongside spinal injections, neuromodulation, minimally invasive spine care, and regenerative therapies.
Understanding Nerve Blocks in Simple Terms
Nerves carry messages between the body and the brain. When a nerve becomes irritated, compressed, or inflamed, it may send pain signals even when there is no visible injury.
A nerve block works by placing medication close to a targeted nerve or group of nerves. This may temporarily reduce or interrupt the pain signal, helping patients feel relief and helping providers better understand the source of pain.
Why Doctors Use Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks may have more than one purpose. They are not always used only for pain relief.
To Help Identify the Pain Source
Sometimes pain is complex. A patient may feel pain in one area, but the source may be a nearby nerve, joint, spine structure, or previous injury.
A diagnostic nerve block may help the provider understand whether a specific nerve is contributing to the pain.
To Reduce Pain
Nerve blocks may help reduce pain for a period of time. The duration depends on the medication used, the condition being treated, and the patient’s response.
To Support Movement and Recovery
When pain is too intense, patients may avoid movement. If a nerve block reduces pain, it may help patients move more comfortably and participate in physical therapy or daily activities.
To Guide the Next Treatment Step
If a nerve block provides meaningful relief, it may help the provider decide whether another treatment, such as radiofrequency-based care or neuromodulation, may be appropriate.
What Types of Pain May Nerve Blocks Help?
Nerve blocks may be considered for different pain patterns, especially when nerves may be involved.
They may be discussed for:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Sciatica-like pain
- Joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Headache-related pain
- Chest wall pain
- Abdominal wall pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Pain after injury
- Pain that feels burning, shooting, or electric
What Does Nerve-Related Pain Feel Like?
Nerve-related pain can feel very different from muscle or joint pain.
Patients may describe it as:
Burning pain
A hot or irritated feeling along the nerve pathway.
Shooting pain
Pain that travels quickly from one area to another.
Electric-like pain
A sudden shock-like sensation.
Tingling or pins and needles
A sensation often felt in the hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Numbness
Reduced feeling in a specific area.
Sensitivity to touch
Pain from light pressure, clothing, or normal contact.
Weakness
Some nerve problems may affect muscle strength or coordination.
Common Types of Nerve Blocks
The type of nerve block depends on the pain location and suspected source.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Peripheral nerve blocks target nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. They may be used for pain in the arms, legs, joints, or specific body regions.
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Sympathetic nerve blocks target part of the nervous system involved in certain chronic pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome.
Intercostal Nerve Blocks
Intercostal nerves run between the ribs. These blocks may be considered when pain is related to chest wall nerve irritation.
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
These may be used when a spinal nerve root is suspected to be causing pain that travels into the arm or leg.
Carpal Tunnel Injections
For wrist and hand symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel injections may help reduce pain, numbness, and discomfort caused by nerve compression.
Before a Nerve Block: What Your Specialist May Check
Before a nerve block, the provider should understand the full pain story.
The evaluation may include:
Pain location
Where the pain starts and where it travels.
Pain quality
Whether the pain feels sharp, burning, electric, dull, or aching.
Medical history
Previous injuries, surgeries, chronic conditions, medications, and allergies.
Physical examination
Strength, sensation, movement, reflexes, and pain triggers may be checked.
Imaging or tests when needed
MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, nerve studies, or other tests may be recommended depending on symptoms.
The goal is to confirm that a nerve block fits the patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
During the Procedure: What Usually Happens
The exact process depends on the nerve being targeted.
In general, the provider identifies the treatment area, cleans the skin, and may use local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. A small needle is then placed near the targeted nerve or nerve group. Medication is delivered to help calm the pain signal.
Some procedures may use image guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to help improve accuracy.
After the injection, the patient may be monitored for a short period and given instructions before leaving.
After a Nerve Block: What to Track
After a nerve block, patients may experience different responses. Some may feel relief quickly. Others may need more time. Some may feel temporary soreness or numbness near the treatment area.
Your provider may ask you to track:
How much pain relief you felt
This helps determine whether the targeted nerve was involved.
How long the relief lasted
Duration can guide future treatment planning.
Whether movement improved
Better walking, reaching, sleeping, or daily function may be important signs.
Whether symptoms changed
Pain location, intensity, numbness, or weakness should be reported.
Are Nerve Blocks Safe?
Nerve blocks may be safe for many patients when performed by a qualified specialist and selected for the right condition. However, like any medical procedure, they may carry risks.
Possible risks may include:
- Temporary soreness
- Bruising or bleeding
- Infection
- Temporary numbness or weakness
- Medication reaction
- Nerve irritation
- Incomplete pain relief
Patients should tell their provider about blood thinners, allergies, infections, pregnancy, diabetes, previous reactions to injections, or other medical conditions.
How Long Do Nerve Blocks Last?
The duration of relief varies.
Some nerve blocks may provide short-term relief for hours or days. Others may provide longer relief depending on the medication, condition, and patient response.
In some cases, the main purpose is diagnostic, meaning the provider wants to see whether the targeted nerve is part of the pain problem. In other cases, the block may be part of a longer treatment plan.
Nerve Blocks vs. Spinal Injections
Nerve blocks and spinal injections can sound similar, but they are not always the same.
Nerve blocks target specific nerves or nerve groups that may be carrying pain signals.
Spinal injections usually target structures around the spine, such as the epidural space, facet joints, or spinal nerve roots.
Both may be used in interventional pain management. The right option depends on where the pain is coming from and what the provider is trying to diagnose or treat.
Who May Be a Candidate for a Nerve Block?
A patient may be a candidate for a nerve block if pain appears to involve a specific nerve or nerve pathway.
A nerve block may be considered if:
- Pain is sharp, burning, shooting, or electric
- Pain travels along a nerve pathway
- Pain has not improved with basic care
- The provider needs to confirm the pain source
- Pain affects sleep, movement, or daily activity
- There is chronic pain after injury or surgery
- A nerve-focused treatment plan is being considered
A medical evaluation is needed to decide whether a nerve block is appropriate.
When Should You Seek Care Quickly?
Some symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
Seek urgent medical care if pain is connected with:
- Severe or sudden weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fever with severe pain
- Severe trauma or injury
- New confusion, fainting, or serious neurological symptoms
- Numbness in the groin or saddle area
These symptoms may suggest a more serious condition and should be evaluated immediately.
Nerve Blocks in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Brentwood, and Santa Monica
Patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Brentwood, and Santa Monica often look for targeted pain care when symptoms feel nerve-related or when pain has not improved with basic treatment.
Gramercy Pain & Neuroscience Center is located in Beverly Hills and serves patients looking for advanced care for spine, joint, and nerve-related pain.
Final Thoughts
Nerve blocks are targeted pain management procedures that place medication near specific nerves to help reduce pain signals. They may be used for diagnosis, temporary relief, movement support, or treatment planning.
They may be considered for nerve-related pain, spine pain, joint pain, chest wall pain, complex regional pain syndrome, post-surgical pain, and other chronic pain conditions.
At Gramercy Pain & Neuroscience Center in Beverly Hills, patients receive advanced, personalized care focused on identifying the source of pain and exploring minimally invasive treatment options that support comfort, function, and quality of life.