Nerve Block Anaesthesia: A Modern Approach to Pain Relief That Works
When pain strikes—whether it’s from an injury, surgery, or a long-standing condition—it can affect every part of your life. From struggling with daily tasks to missing out on important moments, living with pain isn’t just physically draining; it’s mentally exhausting too. Fortunately, advancements in pain medicine have opened up new options for effective relief—one of the most trusted being nerve block anaesthesia.
In this post, we’ll explore how nerve blocks work, what they’re used for, and how Pain Medicine Specialists—like the ones at Box Hill Superclinic—help patients find long-term solutions through this targeted pain management technique.
What Is Nerve Block Anaesthesia?
Simply put, nerve block anaesthesia is a way of stopping pain at its source. Instead of relying solely on painkillers or general anaesthesia, this method involves injecting local anaesthetic around a specific nerve or group of nerves that are sending pain signals to the brain.
The result? Those signals get “blocked,” and you get much-needed relief—often within minutes.
Unlike general anaesthesia, which puts the entire body to sleep, nerve blocks offer a more focused, safer alternative with fewer side effects. Whether it's post-surgery recovery or ongoing chronic pain, nerve block anaesthesia can provide the precise relief many patients need.
When Are Nerve Blocks Used?
Nerve blocks can be used to treat both acute and chronic pain. Some common uses include:
Pain following orthopaedic or abdominal surgery
Back and spine issues like sciatica or herniated discs
Nerve pain in the arms, legs, shoulders, or hips
Chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia
Migraines and facial pain
Pain linked to cancer or cancer treatments
At Box Hill Superclinic, our Pain Medicine Specialists assess each patient’s condition thoroughly before deciding on the best type of nerve block.
How Does the Procedure Work?
If you’re considering a nerve block, here’s what typically happens:
Initial consultation – You’ll meet with a Pain Medicine Specialist to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.
Imaging for accuracy – Technologies like ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to guide the needle precisely.
Anaesthetic injection – A local anaesthetic (sometimes with steroids) is injected near the targeted nerve.
Immediate relief – Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain either instantly or within a few hours.
The whole procedure usually takes under an hour and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.
Types of Nerve Blocks
There isn’t just one type of nerve block—they’re tailored to the location and nature of your pain. These include:
Peripheral nerve blocks – Great for surgery on arms, legs, or shoulders.
Spinal and epidural blocks – Often used for childbirth or lower body procedures.
Facet joint injections – Helpful for neck and back pain.
Sympathetic blocks – Used in managing conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Why Choose Nerve Block Anaesthesia?
Here are some key benefits of nerve block anaesthesia:
Quick and targeted pain relief
Reduces the need for opioid medications
Fewer systemic side effects compared to general anaesthesia
Improves function and movement
Can be repeated if needed
Short recovery time
This makes nerve blocks an ideal option for patients looking for non-invasive, long-lasting relief.
What About Side Effects?
Like all medical procedures, nerve blocks come with some potential risks. However, serious complications are rare, especially when performed by trained professionals.
Possible side effects may include:
Temporary numbness or weakness
Mild discomfort at the injection site
Risk of infection (minimised in a sterile environment)
Rare allergic reactions to the anaesthetic
It’s always best to discuss any concerns with your Pain Medicine Specialist, who will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Managing Chronic Pain: A Holistic View
Nerve block anaesthesia is often part of a bigger pain management strategy. At Box Hill Superclinic, we take a holistic approach that combines treatments such as:
Physiotherapy
Medication review
Lifestyle changes
Exercise therapy
Mental health support
We aim to empower patients by not only treating their symptoms but also tackling the root causes of their pain wherever possible.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Most patients go home shortly after a nerve block injection. Here are a few tips for post-procedure care:
Rest for the remainder of the day
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours
Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection
Follow up with your doctor to assess the results and plan next steps
Relief can last from a few hours to several months, depending on the type of block and the condition being treated.
Is Nerve Block Anaesthesia Right for You?
If you’re tired of living with pain that limits your daily life, nerve block anaesthesia may be worth exploring. It’s especially helpful if:
You’ve tried other treatments with limited success
You want to avoid long-term opioid use
You need short-term relief to participate in physical therapy or rehab
You’re preparing for or recovering from surgery
Pain Relief Starts with the Right Team
Choosing the right clinic and the right professionals can make all the difference. At Box Hill Superclinic, we have a dedicated team of Pain Medicine Specialists who are passionate about helping patients regain control of their lives.
From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we’ll be with you every step of the way—ensuring that you feel supported, informed, and confident in your care plan.
Final Thoughts
Nerve block anaesthesia is more than just a procedure—it’s a modern tool in the growing field of pain medicine that brings real relief to real people. If you're dealing with persistent pain and want a safe, targeted solution, a nerve block could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.
Want to learn more?
📍 Visit Box Hill Superclinic
📞 Call us on 03 9899 8668 to book your consultation
💬 Or send a message via our website to speak with a friendly team member
Comments
Post a Comment