A nerve block is a popular technique in Houston. It is used to interrupt nerve signals, either by blocking the nerve pathway or numbing nerve endings. Nerve blocks can be made in different ways and for various reasons and can sometimes result in complete loss of feeling below the point of injury. Here are a few things to know about nerve block in Houston.
During Nerve Block Therapy
Many nerve blocks can be done with little or no anesthetic, but nerve blocks that produce complete loss of feeling below the point of injury tend to require sedation and pain medication. A nerve block treatment plan accompanies many nerve blocks; this is usually executed by a team of doctors who consult with each other.
A doctor or nurse usually administers nerve blocks. However, some nerve blocks can be self-administered. Nerve blocks that require no anesthetic and little to no post-numbing care can be performed at home or in the hospital.
Nerve block techniques come in different forms. However, nerve block injections are the treatment most people associate with nerve blocks. A topical anesthetic can also perform them. Some nerve blocks are done without requiring needles or any injection.
Benefits of Nerve Blocks
An effective way of treating a wide range of neurological diseases or nerve damage is through nerve blocks. The treatments are used to diagnose nerve conditions or nerve damage in Houston. Nerve block medication is selected based on nerve location, nerve function, and what is causing the nerve disease.
Nerve block treatment can effectively reduce nerve pain anywhere along the nerve pathway from the spine to the arms.
Houston nerve blocks can be administered anywhere along the nerve pathway from the spine to the arms. The nerve that needs to be blocked will determine where the nerve block procedure is done.
Does the Nerve Block Have Any Side Effects?
There are no original studies that identify the side effects of nerve block. However, if we reflect on the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, we can understand how a nerve block is performed and what side effects one may expect.
A nerve block involves injecting an anesthetic agent near a peripheral nerve to prevent the transmission of impulses along its axon. Therefore, there should be little surprise that it also affects those nerves without any involvement in pain transmissions, such as motor or sensory neurons leading to skeletal muscle or cutaneous innervation, respectively.
Nerve blocks could potentially affect other functions such as autonomic (sympathetic ganglia blockade), neuroendocrine (hypothalamic nuclei), and sudomotor function (e.g., pilomotor).
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Nerve Block?
It varies. The most common nerve blocks are the femoral nerve block, sciatic nerve block, and the long-acting epidural for postoperative pain management. These last two therapies are very popular in obstetrics and cosmetic surgery. It will take weeks before you know if the procedure has worked or not. Don’t worry if you haven’t recovered within a few days.
If you think that you could benefit from a nerve block, speak with your doctor and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
