Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Kailash KothariMD Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, FIAPM (Pain Medicine) · 30+ years experience
- No surgery required for many conditions
- Same-day procedures
- International training & advanced techniques
Nerve blocks at Pain Clinic of India cover many specific procedures. Each page below matches the same information and layout order as our legacy “How we treat” site where a dedicated page exists.
- Stellate ganglion block, Hypogastric plexus block
- Sympathetic plexus blockade
- Occipital nerve block
- Sphenopalatine ganglion block
- Gasserian ganglion RF ablation
- Peripheral nerve block
- Facet joint and medial branch nerve injections
- Radiofrequency neuroablation
For diagnosis and treatment planning, the exact nerve target, imaging guidance, and medication are chosen by your pain physician at PCI.
Who is Nerve Blocks for?
- Chronic pain patients not responding to medication
- Cancer pain requiring targeted treatment
- CRPS patients needing sympathetic blocks
- Headache and facial pain patients
- Post-surgical neuralgia
- Patients seeking diagnostic confirmation of pain source
How Nerve Blocks is performed
- The target nerve is identified using anatomy and imaging
- Skin is cleaned and local anesthesia is applied
- Under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance, a needle is placed near the target nerve
- Correct placement is confirmed with imaging and/or nerve stimulation
- Local anesthetic (with or without steroid) is injected
- Patient response is assessed
- Post-procedure monitoring
Before, during & after the procedure
Before: Discuss your medications with your doctor. Some blood thinners may need to be stopped. Bring a detailed description of your pain location and characteristics.
During: Duration varies from 10-30 minutes depending on the type of block. Most blocks are performed under local anesthesia with optional mild sedation.
After & recovery: You may experience numbness in the treated area (temporary). Keep track of pain relief duration and extent — this information guides further treatment.
Benefits of Nerve Blocks
- Rapid pain relief (often within minutes)
- Identifies the exact source of pain
- Minimally invasive
- Can be repeated as needed
- Reduces need for systemic medications
- Wide range of applications
Risks & possible side effects
- Temporary numbness or weakness
- Bruising at injection site
- Infection (very rare with proper technique)
- Allergic reaction to medication (very rare)
- Specific risks depend on the type of block
Conditions treated with this procedure
Frequently asked questions about Nerve Blocks
Medical references
This page is informed by guidance from the following authoritative medical sources: