Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains What a Nerve Block Is and How It Can Relieve Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be life-altering, limiting mobility, disrupting sleep, and reducing overall quality of life. For those suffering from unrelenting pain, finding an effective treatment can feel like an ongoing struggle. Fortunately, advances in interventional pain management offer targeted solutions that don’t rely solely on medication or invasive surgery. One of the most effective tools in this modern toolkit is the nerve block.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, frequently utilizes nerve blocks to help his patients manage and often eliminate their pain. In this article, Dr. Sudberg shares his expertise on what nerve blocks are, how they work, and who can benefit from this powerful pain management procedure.
What Is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is a procedure in which an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication is injected near specific nerves to “block” pain signals from reaching the brain. By interrupting the pain pathways, nerve blocks can provide temporary or sometimes long-term relief, depending on the underlying condition and the type of block administered.
Dr. Jordan Sudberg describes it as “a reset button for pain,” especially effective when pain originates from a specific region or nerve group.
“Nerve blocks are not just about numbing pain—they’re about targeting its source precisely and safely,” explains Dr. Sudberg. “They can be diagnostic, therapeutic, or even preventative, depending on the patient’s needs.”
Types of Nerve Blocks
There are various types of nerve blocks, each designed to address specific types or locations of pain. Common examples include:
- Epidural Nerve Blocks – Often used to relieve lower back and leg pain, especially in conditions like sciatica or herniated discs.
- Facet Joint Blocks – Target the small joints in the spine that can cause neck or back pain due to arthritis or injury.
- Peripheral Nerve Blocks – Applied to limbs or extremities, frequently used after surgery or injury to control localized pain.
- Sympathetic Nerve Blocks – Used for pain conditions involving the sympathetic nervous system, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Each procedure is carefully guided, often using fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) or ultrasound to ensure accurate needle placement and maximum effectiveness.
How Nerve Blocks Work
The medication injected during a nerve block can be a local anesthetic, steroid, or both. The local anesthetic works to stop nerve impulses temporarily, while the steroid reduces inflammation around the nerve root, which can help decrease pain over a longer period.
According to Dr. Sudberg, nerve blocks serve several purposes:
- Immediate Pain Relief – Providing fast relief for acute flare-ups.
- Long-Term Management – Reducing inflammation to improve comfort and function over time.
- Diagnostic Tool – Helping pinpoint the exact source of pain.
- Treatment Planning – Allowing doctors to determine the next best steps, including physical therapy, medication adjustments, or more permanent solutions like radiofrequency ablation.
“A successful nerve block can confirm the source of pain, which is a huge advantage in creating a personalized treatment plan,” says Dr. Sudberg.
Who Can Benefit from a Nerve Block?
Nerve blocks are widely used in patients suffering from chronic conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Migraines or cluster headaches
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Neuropathy
- Post-surgical pain
- Cancer-related pain
Dr. Sudberg often recommends nerve blocks to patients who have not responded well to oral medications or who wish to avoid more invasive interventions like surgery.
“If pain is interfering with your daily activities and other treatments haven’t worked, a nerve block may be the solution,” he explains. “It can offer relief and improve function without the long recovery time.”
Are Nerve Blocks Safe?
Like all medical procedures, nerve blocks carry some risks, but they are generally considered very safe when performed by a trained specialist. The most common side effects are temporary numbness, soreness at the injection site, or mild allergic reactions. Serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is image-guided.
Dr. Sudberg stresses the importance of having these procedures done by experienced professionals.
“Precision and experience matter. That’s why it’s essential to work with a qualified interventional pain specialist,” he says.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Pain with Expert Help
Living with chronic pain can be exhausting, but treatments like nerve blocks are making it possible for patients to regain control over their health and daily lives. Thanks to specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, individuals now have access to safe, targeted, and effective therapies that can make a world of difference.
If you or someone you love is struggling with persistent pain, don’t assume medication or surgery are your only options. A consultation with a pain management expert like Dr. Jordan Sudberg could open the door to a better, more comfortable future—starting with a simple yet powerful nerve block.
