Nerve blocks are popular procedures that can prevent and manage different types of pain and work to block pain signals by deliberately cutting or destroying certain nerves during surgery. For those with intense back pain, leg pain, or headaches caused by overactive nerves, we’re here to help. Our team, led by Dr. Asif Chaudhry, are committed to providing effective solutions for your pain relief and can provide selective, sympathetic, and occipital nerve root blocks.
What Are Selective, Sympathetic, and Occipital Nerve Root Blocks?
Selective nerve blocks, sympathetic nerve blocks, and occipital nerve blocks are distinct procedures used to manage different types of pain. These nerve blocks involve the precise injections of a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid medication to block pain signals originating from specific nerves temporarily. Here are the key differences between these nerve blocks:
- Selective Nerve Blocks – Selective nerve blocks focus on the specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. By focusing on a specific nerve or nerve root within the central nervous system, these injections serve as a way to diagnose sources of pain and offer immediate relief for conditions such as radiculopathy.
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks – Sympathetic nerve blocks focus on sympathetic nerves. The sympathetic nervous system is the network of nerves responsible for the body’s “flight-or-fight” response and helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions. For those with complex regional pain syndromes, their sources of pain often originate from these systems, resulting in chronic pain. Therefore, sympathetic nerve blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic and/or medication near the sympathetic nerves to interrupt the pain signals and provide relief.
- Occipital Nerve Blocks – Occipital nerve blocks work to help alleviate pain caused by unilateral headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, and other painful conditions. The occipital nerves travel through the back of the head. These nerve blocks can be used both as a treatment and a diagnostic tool to help judge how your body reacts to the temporary nerve block and how it affects your pain.
Each of these nerve blocks can provide significant relief depending on the types of pain experienced, and through these injections, our team can provide precise, comfortable treatment for our patients. Dr. Asif Chaudhry MD and our team work with advanced imaging techniques to ensure an accurate needle placement to maximize the effectiveness of the injections. At Houston Pain And Spine, we focus on tailoring pain relief for each patient to help our patients decide how to treat their condition best.
Receive a Nerve Block At Houston Pain And Spine Today!
If you’re seeking pain relief caused by specific nerves or conditions, don’t hesitate to contact Houston Pain And Spine Today. Dr. Asif Chaudhry and our team are committed to providing personalized, tailored spinal care and effective solutions for your pain management. Call us at 832-436-4040 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free life. Our clinic is conveniently located in Houston, TX. Let us help you find relief through Selective, Sympathetic & Occipital Nerve Root Blocks and improve your quality of life.
