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Nerve Blocks

Patients diagnosed with a range of conditions may need nerve blocks to treat their pain. A variety of nerve blocks are available to address the patient’s specific condition and pain level.

Celiac Plexus Block

A celiac plexus block helps minimize severe abdominal pain caused by pancreatic cancer. The injection may temporarily or permanently stop the celiac plexus nerves in the abdomen from sending pain signals to the brain.

Ganglion Impar Block

Patients with pain in their lower pelvis and groin may benefit from a ganglion impar block. The medication will be injected into the area near the tailbone and between the buttocks to alleviate pain caused by or associated with vaginal or vulvar cancer, scrotal cancer, rectal or anal cancer, bladder cancer, pain in the tailbone, rectal pain, or pain from other nearby structures.

Woman needing nerve block to treat abdominal pain

Hypogastric Plexus Block

This type of nerve block targets a bundle of nerves located near the bottom of the spine to treat chronic pain in the pelvic area.

To perform the injection, the healthcare provider will use X-ray guidance and insert needles into the back, near the hip bone. The physician will then inject dye to confirm the right location and go on to inject the medication, and possibly a steroid, to treat the pain.

Ilioinguinal Nerve Block

The ilioinguinal nerve provides sensation to the groin, perineum, and upper inner thigh. It begins in the lower back spinal nerve, wraps above the upper ridge of the hip bone, and travels into the groin. An ilioinguinal nerve block targets the nerve to treat groin pain, often caused by hernia surgery or trauma to the groin.

Intercostal Nerve Block

Patients experiencing chest pain caused by a herpes zoster infection or a surgical incision may benefit from an intercostal nerve block. This type of nerve block can also help reduce inflammation and identify the source of pain.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Patients experiencing reflex sympathetic dystrophy, vascular insufficiency, complex regional pain syndrome, herpes zoster infection (shingles) involving the legs, and peripheral neuropathy may benefit from a lumbar sympathetic nerve block.

Medial Branch Block

During a diagnostic medial branch block, an anesthetic is injected near small medial nerves connected to a specific facet joint. If the patient experiences pain relief after the injection, they may be a candidate for additional pain treatment.

Facet Block

During a facet joint block, the physician will inject a small amount of local anesthetic and/or medication into a facet joint in the neck or back to alleviate pain.

Occipital Nerve Block

Patients may need an occipital nerve block to help manage:

Tender or painful scalp
Pain that affects the back of the head or one side of the head
Cluster headaches
Migraines
Spondylosis of the cervical facet joints

Stellate Ganglion Block

A stellate ganglion block can help relieve pain in the head, neck, upper arm, and upper chest. In addition, the block may promote circulation and blood supply to the arm. Patients diagnosed with the following conditions may benefit from a stellate ganglion block: