How to Scale a Nerve Block

Nerve blocks are anesthetic injections targeted for specific nerve or a group of nerves to treat pain. Nerve blocks can treat inflammation. When a nerve becomes inflamed, it translates into pain indicating nerve irritation. Nerve blocks are administered by anesthesiologists to treat acute or chronic pain. Nerve blocks temporarily relieve pain through the spinal cord. Before a physician performs a nerve block, she must scale the area being affected by pain. Nerve blocks can help physicians diagnose the source of the pain. Nerve blocks are given through injections that shut down pain receptors in the area controlled by that nerve. Effects of the injection are immediate.

Instructions

• 1

  Place patient on a flat table (see Tips). Fully expose the area where the nerve block will be administered. Scale or observe the area of inflammation before injection. Lay the patient on her side to expose the lower half of the spine, for example, if you are administering a lumbar nerve block.

• 2

  Palpate the appropriate area for insertion of the needle. Identify the area for the needle placement of the nerve block. Use body landmarks as guidance (see Tips).

• 3

  Clean area with antiseptic solution. Sterilize the area completely to prevent possible infection.

• 4

  Warn the patient of the discomfort or "pinch" she might experience from the needle. Slightly insert needle into the area at the appropriate position of the nerve and inject medication to the irritated nerve. Slowly pull the needle out once all the medication is successfully injected Apply slight pressure to the area to prevent continuous bleeding and use gauze to stanch any blood flow.

• 5

  Allow the patient to rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Wait for medication to provide relief. Check to see whether the patient is having any side effects. Depending on the medication injected, the relief can last one to two weeks or even prove permanent. Relief will depend on the severity of the nerve inflammation. Advice the patient to consult a physician if they need to make follow up appointments.