Nerve Blocks Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

A nerve block is a procedure used to manage pain by interrupting the transmission of pain signals along a specific nerve or group of nerves. This technique is often employed to alleviate chronic pain, and reduce inflammation while helping to improve the overall quality of life for patients with various pain conditions. During the procedure, a local anesthetic or steroid is injected in the area near the offending nerve or nerve cluster. This injection temporarily disables the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. Nerve blocks can be performed using imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure precise placement of the needle and medication.

The specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic are skilled in performing nerve blocks as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. Nerve block procedures are minimally invasive and are capable of helping to provide significant pain relief. The relief achieved through a nerve block procedure can help allow patients to participate more actively in physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments. The relief from a nerve block can vary in duration, depending on the type of block and the medication used, but it generally ranges from several hours to weeks, with some patients experiencing longer-term benefits.

The duration of a nerve block procedure typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. This time frame includes preparation, the actual injection, and post-procedure monitoring. Patients can typically return home shortly after a nerve block, although they may need to rest for a short period before resuming normal activities.

The actual injection process is relatively quick, but the precision and care taken to ensure the accurate placement of the medication are critical for the procedure’s success. The specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic will provide detailed instructions on what patients should anticipate during and after the procedure, including any necessary adjustments they must make or precautions they should take. While the nerve block itself is brief, the relief it provides can be substantial, helping patients manage their pain more effectively and enhancing their ability to engage in physical therapy and other treatments that promote long-term recovery.

A nerve block procedure is generally well-tolerated and involves minimal discomfort. Patients may feel a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site, but this is typically brief. To minimize any discomfort, a local anesthetic is often applied to the skin before the injection. Additionally, the use of imaging guidance ensures that the needle is accurately placed, reducing the risk of complications. Post-procedure, some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the area affected by the nerve block, but these effects usually subside within a few hours. The primary goal is to provide significant pain relief with minimal discomfort during the course of the nerve block procedure itself.

There are several types of nerve blocks, each targeting different nerves and conditions. The four main types are peripheral nerve blocks, epidural nerve blocks, spinal nerve blocks, and sympathetic nerve blocks. Peripheral nerve blocks work in order to target nerves outside the spinal cord to relieve pain in a particular area, such as the shoulder or knee. Epidural nerve blocks involve injecting medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord, commonly used for pain relief during childbirth or for certain causes of chronic back pain.

Spinal nerve blocks, similar to epidural blocks, deliver medication directly into the spinal fluid for more immediate and profound pain relief, often used in surgeries or severe chronic pain conditions. Sympathetic nerve blocks function by targeting the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions and can be effective for pain syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or vascular pain. The specialists at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic assess each patient’s presenting symptoms and the nature of their condition to determine the most appropriate type of nerve block, ensuring optimal pain relief and improving overall function.
 
Nerve block treatment specialists are available at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic. For more information, contact us to book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, and surrounding areas.