Nerve blocks,
to find the source.

A diagnostic block uses a local anesthetic to briefly numb one nerve. If your usual pain eases for the expected time, that nerve is likely part of the source, which can confirm the diagnosis before further treatment such as radiofrequency ablation. A therapeutic block aims to calm an irritated nerve for longer and support rehabilitation.

Medial branch blocks test the small nerves of the facet joints in the neck and back. Occipital nerve blocks target nerves at the back of the head in selected headache patterns. Genicular nerve blocks target the sensory nerves around the knee. Sympathetic blocks target the sympathetic nervous system and may be considered in complex regional pain syndrome. Procedures are image-guided, using ultrasound or X-ray guidance depending on the target.

The skin is cleaned and numbed, imaging confirms the target, and the injection takes a few minutes. For diagnostic blocks, you may be asked to track your pain over the following hours, because that record is what makes the result meaningful. Most people go home shortly afterward.

A block is rarely the whole answer. It sits inside a plan of rehabilitation, movement and, when appropriate, regenerative care, with surgery considered only when it is truly needed. Results vary, and no outcome is promised.