Is a Nerve Block the Right Choice for Your Chronic Pain in the New Year?

A new year often comes with big hopes for feeling better, moving more easily, sleeping more comfortably, and finally getting relief from pain that’s been lingering far too long. If chronic pain has followed you into another year, you may be wondering whether it’s time to explore more targeted treatment options. One option many people hear about but don’t fully understand is a nerve block.

That’s where we come in! Miranda Reed Cleaver, DO, and our team at Cleaver Medical Group Interventional Pain in Cumming, Dahlonega, and Dawsonville, Georgia, recognize that nerve blocks can be a powerful tool for managing chronic pain, but they’re not for everyone. 

Here’s a clear, down-to-earth look at what nerve blocks are, who they help most, and how to know if they’re right for you. 

What is a nerve block and how does it work? 

A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure designed to interrupt pain signals before they reach your brain. By injecting medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves, our team can temporarily reduce or eliminate pain coming from that area. 

Depending on your condition, a nerve block may include local anesthetics to numb the nerve, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, and sometimes steroids to provide longer-lasting relief. Nerve blocks are commonly used for conditions like: 

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Sciatica or nerve compression
• Arthritis-related pain
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Post-surgical pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 

The goal isn’t just to “numb everything,” but to precisely target the source of your pain, whether it’s in your back, neck, joints, or limbs. For many patients, nerve blocks offer relief when other treatments haven’t worked. 

What are the benefits of nerve blocks? 

Nerve blocks can offer both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, which makes them especially valuable in pain management. Potential benefits include: 

• Targeted pain relief without systemic medication
• Reduced inflammation around irritated nerves
• Improved mobility and function
• Better sleep and daily comfort 
• Temporary relief that allows participation in physical therapy 
• Insight into the source of your pain 

In some cases, a nerve block can help confirm where your pain is coming from. If the pain improves significantly after your injection, it gives us important information about the underlying issue. 

Who might be a good candidate? 

Nerve blocks are often considered when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes haven’t provided relief. You may be a good candidate if: 

• Your pain is localized and nerve-related 
• Pain interferes with daily activities or sleep 
• Imaging shows nerve irritation or inflammation
• Other treatments haven’t worked 
• You want to avoid or delay surgery 
• You’re looking for targeted relief 

That said, nerve blocks aren’t a cure-all. They work best as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, not as a standalone solution. 

Is a nerve block right for you this year? 

Choosing a nerve block is about more than chasing quick relief; it’s about creating momentum toward better function and quality of life. For many people, nerve blocks open the door to movement, rehabilitation, and long-term improvement that pain once made impossible. It’s important to ask yourself if your pain is controlling your daily life, if other treatments have stopped helping, if you want a more targeted and minimally invasive option, and if you’re open to a personalized pain management plan. 

Ultimately, a nerve block can be an effective, targeted option for managing chronic pain. If you’re ready to learn more, call us at 770-872-6179 to schedule an appointment with our team today.