Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain Relief: A Precise Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Chronic pain doesn’t always come from one obvious source. For many patients, finding lasting relief begins with locating the exact nerve or pathway responsible for the pain. That’s where nerve block injections come in. These image-guided injections deliver medication near specific nerves to reduce pain and inflammation, and in many cases, help diagnose the true cause of chronic symptoms.

At Wisteria Health, we use nerve blocks to both treat and identify pain coming from spinal joints, nerve roots, or surrounding tissues. Whether used alone or as part of a broader care plan, they offer a valuable first step in long-term pain relief.

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is a targeted injection that delivers local anesthetic, and sometimes steroid medication, near a specific nerve or group of nerves. The goal is twofold: to relieve pain and to confirm whether that nerve is the true source of your discomfort. Depending on the results, this procedure can guide next steps like radiofrequency ablation or peripheral nerve stimulation.

Performed under fluoroscopic (live X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, nerve blocks are quick, outpatient procedures with minimal recovery time.

Who Is a Candidate for Nerve Blocks?

You may be a candidate for a diagnostic or therapeutic nerve block if:

  • You’ve had chronic back, neck, joint, or nerve pain for more than 3 months

  • Conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications haven’t worked

  • Your physician suspects a specific nerve is involved in your pain

  • You’re being evaluated for further interventions like SCS or radiofrequency ablation

    Nerve blocks are also helpful before surgery or as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. If you’re unsure whether a nerve block is right for you, our team can help determine the best path forward.

Benefits of Nerve Block Injections

  • Minimally invasive

  • Performed in an outpatient setting

  • Fast-acting relief for many patients

  • Can confirm the source of pain

  • Helps guide future treatment planning

  • May reduce reliance on opioids or long-term medications

    Visit our Specialties page to see how nerve blocks fit into a full range of advanced therapies at Wisteria Health.

Experience the Wisteria Health Difference

At Wisteria Health, we combine cutting-edge treatments with compassionate care. Our specialists stay up to date on the latest innovations in image-guided procedures and interventional pain therapies, ensuring you receive top-tier expertise. We also recognize that pain isn’t just physical: it’s emotional too. That’s why our approach integrates follow-up care, physical therapy guidance, and open communication every step of the way.

We work closely with your referring provider, primary care doctor, or spine surgeon to create a unified care plan that supports your goals.

The Process

  • You’ll lie comfortably while your provider identifies the target nerve

  • A small amount of local anesthetic is applied

  • Using real-time imaging, a needle is carefully guided into position

  • Medication is injected precisely near the affected nerve

  • You’ll be monitored briefly and can go home the same day

Pain relief may be immediate, gradual, or short-lived depending on whether the injection is diagnostic or therapeutic. Our team will review your results and determine the next step in care.

Want to understand how nerve blocks help diagnose pain? Explore this guide from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t wait for pain to take control of your life. Nerve block injections are a fast, effective way to reduce pain and gain clarity about its cause. Contact Wisteria Health today to schedule a consultation and learn whether a nerve block could help you feel like yourself again.

Schedule a consultation or contact our team to see if you’re a candidate.

Explore related topics in our patient blog or visit our specialties page for additional treatments we offer

Our Services

Experience the Wisteria Health Difference

  • Local availability in North Philadelphia and Montgomery County communities, with easy scheduling

  • Experienced providers specializing in nerve and musculoskeletal care

  • On-site diagnostics, image-guided injections, and rehab

  • Personalized, conservative-first treatment plans

  • A team that listens, educates, and puts your comfort first

We help patients get back to doing what they love: typing, driving, writing, and sleeping, without constant wrist pain.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re searching for nerve block treatment, Wisteria Health is here to help. We focus on effective, non-surgical solutions designed around your goals and lifestyle.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward stronger, pain-free hands.