TL;DR Quick answer
An injection of local anaesthetic near a specific nerve to diagnose or relieve pain. It is commonly used for knee pain, neuropathic pain and headache and migraine. The procedure takes about 10–30 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Nerve Block
A nerve block places local anaesthetic, sometimes with a steroid, around a nerve or group of nerves. It can identify the source of pain (diagnostic) or provide relief (therapeutic).
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 10–30 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | Ultrasound or X-ray |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Commonly used for | Knee Pain, Neuropathic Pain, Headache and Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Follow the clinic's fasting and medication instructions, if given.
During the procedure
The skin is numbed and a fine needle is guided to the nerve using ultrasound or X-ray. Most blocks take a few minutes.
After the procedure
You may notice numbness for a few hours. Keep a record of your pain after the block, as this helps plan the next step.
Risks and safety
Possible effects include temporary numbness or weakness, bruising and, rarely, infection or nerve irritation.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Knee Pain | Long-standing knee pain from arthritis or other causes that limits walking and daily activity. | Pain on walking, climbing stairs or standing up; stiffness after rest |
| Neuropathic Pain | Burning, shooting or electric pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nerves. | Burning, shooting or electric-shock sensations; pain from light touch (allodynia) |
| Headache and Migraine | Frequent or long-lasting headaches, including migraine and headaches arising from the neck. | Throbbing or pressing head pain; sensitivity to light or sound |
| Trigeminal Neuralgia | Sudden, severe, electric-shock facial pain triggered by touch, eating or speaking. | Brief, shock-like pain in the cheek, jaw, teeth or forehead; attacks triggered by touch, chewing, brushing teeth or wind |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
