9 Kinds of Nerve Blocks: Which Is Right for You?

Chronic pain can significantly disrupt your daily life, affecting everything from mobility to mental health. While pain medication is a common solution, it often only provides temporary relief and can have unwanted side effects. 

Here at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute, our team, led by Ronak D. Patel, MD, offers nerve blocks as a powerful alternative to directly target the nerves responsible for pain and give you longer-lasting relief.

Here are nine types of nerve blocks we offer, each designed for specific conditions and body regions. Understanding them may help you determine which option might work best for you.

1. Celiac plexus block

The celiac plexus block targets nerves near your upper abdomen, primarily relieving pain if you have chronic abdominal pain due to conditions like pancreatitis or cancer. This procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic near your celiac plexus, blocking pain signals from your abdomen and providing long-lasting relief.

2. Coccygeal nerve block

If you’re suffering from tailbone pain (coccydynia), a coccygeal nerve block may be ideal. This block targets the coccygeal nerve at the base of your spine. It can alleviate pain that results from trauma, prolonged sitting, or degenerative conditions affecting the coccyx.

3. Intercostal nerve block

An intercostal nerve block is often recommended for pain in your chest wall, including pain from rib fractures, surgical incisions, or shingles. The anesthetic is injected near your intercostal nerves running along each rib, numbing the region to help reduce discomfort and allow for better mobility.

4. Lumbar sympathetic block

For lower back, hip, or leg pain, particularly due to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or vascular issues, a lumbar sympathetic block may be beneficial. This injection, targeting nerves along your lower spine, reduces pain, and can improve blood flow to your legs, aiding in healing and comfort.

5. Medial branch block

If you’re experiencing facet joint pain in your spine due to arthritis or injury, a medial branch block might help. This procedure numbs the medial branch nerves connected to facet joints, which are common sources of back pain.

6. Occipital nerve block

Chronic headaches and migraines can often be relieved through an occipital nerve block. Injected near the base of your skull, this block targets the occipital nerves and can reduce both the intensity and frequency of headaches.

7. Stellate ganglion block

Used for nerve pain in the face, head, neck, or upper extremities, a stellate ganglion block can provide relief by targeting the sympathetic nerves in your neck. This block is particularly beneficial for conditions like CRPS, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or hot flashes.

8. Superior hypogastric plexus block

If pelvic pain from endometriosis, cancer, or other conditions is interfering with your life, a superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) might be an option. By targeting nerves in the pelvic region, this block provides relief and enhances quality of life.

9. Trigeminal nerve block

The trigeminal nerve block is designed for facial pain, such as that caused by trigeminal neuralgia. A local anesthetic is applied to your trigeminal nerve, often resulting in significant relief if you deal with severe facial pain.

If you’re considering a nerve block, contact the office nearest you in Plainsboro Township, Manalapan, or Freehold, New Jersey, by phone or online to book a consultation with Dr. Patel or a specialist from our team. We can help you select the most suitable option based on your specific condition and health profile.