Nerve Blocks

What is it?

Nerve blocks diagnose and treat pain caused by nerve damage or malfunction. These blocks can be performed by injecting medication into the area or the damaged parts of a nerve.

What is it for?

Nerve blocks are used for chronic pain. Nerve blocks target the sympathetic nerve system, a network of nerves that expand from the spine out to the body. The sympathetic nerves help in controlling involuntary body functions such as blood flow, sweating and digestion.

The location of the pain determines the area where you’ll receive the block. You may receive the block in the neck area if your pain is in the upper body. You may receive the block in the lumbar area of the back if the pain is in the lower body.

How to prepare

  • Communicate with your health care provider about your medical history, medications you are taking and allergies
  • You will be given instructions on what to eat and drink prior to the procedure
  • You may need someone to drive you home

What happens during?

  • You will be made relaxed and sleepy through an I.V. line
  • Your neck or back will be numbed by medicine
  • X-rays with contrast dye or a CT (computed tomography) scan may be used to find the correct nerve to block
  • Once the nerve is located, the nerve is blocked by injecting it with an anesthetic solution

What happens after?

  • You can usually return to normal activities after 24 hours of rest

Side effects

Side effects are usually temporary, you may experience the following within 24 hours of the procedure. These side effects should eventually subside:

  • Soreness
  • Warm feeling
  • Weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Voice change
  • Eyelid droop

Call your health care provider if you experience prolonged:

  • Breathing difficulty
  • Hoarseness
  • Swallowing difficulty

More information:

Schedule An Interventional Radiology Procedure

BayCare offers a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians specializing in percutaneous interventions using guided imaging. If you're interested in scheduling an interventional radiology procedure, please call one of the phone numbers listed here for the location of your choice:

Morton Plant, Mease Dunedin, Mease Countryside, and North Bay Hospitals 
Phone (727) 462-7513 
Fax (727) 462-7499 

St. Anthony’s Hospital 
Phone (727)-462-7513
Fax (827) 462-7499 

St. Joseph’s Hospital (Main)
Phone 813-879-4601 
Fax (813) 554-8221

St. Joseph’s Hospital North
(813) 443-7447 
Fax (813) 635-2520

St. Joseph’s Hospital South
Phone (813) 302-8350 
Fax (813) 999-8878 

South Florida Baptist Hospital 
Phone (813) 757-1288
Fax (813) 999-8873 

Wesley Chapel Hospital
Phone (813) 914-1909 
Fax (813) 605-6248 

Winter Haven Hospital 
Phone (863) 297-1872
Fax (863) 292-4379