Pain Management Procedures

Nerve Blocks

Targeted Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pain Relief

Nerve blocks are precise injections that deliver anesthetic (sometimes with steroids) to a specific nerve or group of nerves. They can confirm whether a nerve is the source of pain and provide temporary relief. At Desert Spine and Pain, Dr. David Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS, performs nerve blocks using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for maximum accuracy.

Over 100 5-Star Reviews!

LogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogoLogo

Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.

Types of Nerve Blocks

Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

  • Target tiny medial branch nerves that carry pain from the facet joints.

  • Used to diagnose facet-related pain before Radiofrequency Ablation.

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

  • Target peripheral nerves outside the spine, often in the extremities.

  • Can relieve pain from nerve injury, entrapment, or regional pain syndromes.

What Are Nerve Blocks?

  • In simple terms: Nerve blocks numb a specific nerve to reduce pain and identify its role in symptoms.

  • Scientifically: Nerve blocks involve percutaneous delivery of anesthetic ± corticosteroid to perineural or facet innervation nerves, interrupting nociceptive signaling and serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Take Charge of Your Health Today

Benefits of Nerve Blocks

  • Outpatient, minimally invasive

  • Provide immediate pain relief

  • Diagnostic tool to confirm pain source

  • Guide treatment decisions (e.g., RFA)

Risks & Limitations

  • Temporary soreness or numbness

  • Infection, bleeding, nerve irritation (rare)

  • Relief is temporary (hours to weeks) unless followed by ablation

Take Charge of Your Health Today

Recovery Timeline

  • Day 0: Home same day; numbness may be felt in target area

  • Days 1–2: Pain relief and improved function

  • Weeks 1–4: Relief duration varies; results guide further treatment

Book your Spine Care Consultation Today!

Desert Spine and Pain

Patient Centered & Partner Focused

Quick Links

© Desert Spine and Pain. 2025. All Rights Reserved.