What drug is used for a nerve block?

Blocks are injections of medication onto or near nerves. The medications that are injected include local anesthetics, steroids, and opioids. In some cases of severe pain it is even necessary to destroy a nerve with injections of phenol, pure ethanol, or by using needles that freeze or heat the nerves.

What does a nerve block pill do?

Nerve blocks numb the nerves touched by the drugs. This relieves pain by interrupting the pain signal sent by the nerves to your brain. Depending on the type of nerve block, your pain may be numbed for a short time or a long time. Nerve blocks for chronic pain may work for 6 to 12 months.

Is a nerve block a narcotic?

A nerve block is a strategy to help limit the use of prescription opioids, which are a type of narcotic medication that was once thought of as the most effective treatment for pain. Opioids control pain by reducing the intensity of pain signals that affect the areas of the brain that control sensation and emotion.

Is there a permanent nerve block?

Can a nerve block be permanent? Most surgical nerve blocks can be considered permanent. But they are often reserved for rare cases of chronic pain when no other treatments have been successful, such as cancer pain or chronic regional pain syndrome.

Is nerve block safe?

Nerve blocks are very safe, but like any medical procedure, a nerve block carries some risks. In general, nerve blocks carry fewer side effects than most other types of pain medications. Risks and side effects of a nerve block include: infection.

Are nerve blockers addictive?

Because nerve blocks do not involve opioids, they do not lead to dependency.

How long will nerve block last?

It only takes a short time for the medication to achieve pain relief. However, nerve blocks are only a temporary fix—they typically last for up to one or two weeks and then wear off as your body absorbs them. Some patients undergo several rounds of nerve blocks before they experience long term relief.