Medial Branch Blocks
Medial Branch Blocks are a type of diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to treat and evaluate facet joint pain in the spine. A medial branch block involves the injection of a local anesthetic (and sometimes a steroid) near the medial branch nerves. These nerves provide sensation to the facet joints in the spine, which can cause pain if they become irritated or inflamed. The goal of the block is to temporarily "numb" these nerves and provide pain relief. Medial Branch Blocks are performed in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions of the spine.
Radiofrequency Ablations
If a medial branch block provides good pain relief, a more semi-permanent solution known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be offered.Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce pain by using heat generated from radiofrequency waves to destroy the tissue surrounding specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals to the brain. It is commonly used for treating chronic pain conditions, particularly those affecting the spine, joints, and soft tissues. RFA is considered a long-term solution to pain management (often lasting 6–12 months or more) and may be repeated as needed.
Genicular Nerve Block
A Genicular Nerve Block is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat knee pain, particularly pain that arises from osteoarthritis (OA), inflammation, or other joint-related conditions. The procedure targets the genicular nerves, which are sensory nerves that provide pain sensation to the knee joint. By blocking these nerves, the procedure can provide significant pain relief. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool to identify the genicular nerves as the source of pain. For those who experience significant relief, the procedure can lead to further treatment options, such as radiofrequency ablation, for more long-term pain management.
Genicular Radiofrequency Ablations
Genicular Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to provide long-term pain relief for patients suffering from chronic knee pain, particularly pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA), inflammation, or joint degeneration. The procedure involves using radiofrequency (RF) energy to target and destroy the genicular nerves that are transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain. By disrupting these nerve signals, genicular RFA helps alleviate pain and improve function in the knee.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
A Lumbar Sympathetic Block is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of chronic pain conditions that are related to the sympathetic nervous system in the lower back and legs. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, near the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar (lower back) region to block pain signals and reduce inflammation. This can provide relief for conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), vascular disease, and certain types of chronic lower back pain.
Intercostal Nerve Block
An Intercostal Nerve Block is a medical procedure in which an anesthetic (and sometimes a steroid) is injected near the intercostal nerves, which are the nerves that run between the ribs. This block is primarily used to treat pain that originates from the chest or rib cage area, including conditions such as rib fractures, post-surgical pain, and certain types of chronic pain syndromes. By blocking the intercostal nerves, this procedure helps to interrupt pain signals from the chest wall and provides pain relief.
Stellate Ganglion Block
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a procedure used to treat various types of chronic pain and certain autonomic dysfunctions by targeting the stellate ganglion, which is a collection of nerves located in the neck usually near C6 and C7 vertebrae. By injecting a local anesthetic (sometimes with steroids) into or near this ganglion, the procedure helps block nerve signals, providing relief for specific conditions that involve sympathetic nerve dysfunction.
Cluneal Nerve Block
A Cluneal Nerve Block is a medical procedure used to provide pain relief by targeting the cluneal nerves, which are sensory nerves that supply sensation to the skin in the lower back, hips, and upper thighs. The cluneal nerves can sometimes become irritated or compressed, leading to pain or discomfort in these areas. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, and sometimes a steroid, around the cluneal nerve to block pain signals and provide relief from conditions that cause pain in these regions.
Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block
The TAP block involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the transversus abdominis plane, a potential space between the transversus abdominis muscle and the internal oblique muscle. Ultrasound is commonly used for real-time visualization of the needle placement to ensure that the anesthetic is deposited in the correct space. By blocking these nerves, the TAP block provides analgesia to the abdominal wall, reducing pain. Indications for a TAP Block are abdominal surgeries, trauma, and chronic pain.
Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block
A Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block is a regional anesthesia technique that targets the femoral cutaneous nerve, a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the skin over the anterior (front) and medial (inner) aspects of the thigh. This block is typically used for pain management in various medical conditions or procedures involving the thigh area. Indications for a femoral cutaneous nerve block are post-operative pain management after surgeries, chronic pain, trauma, and diagnostic purposes.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
The sphenopalatine ganglion block (nasal approach) is a highly effective, non-invasive procedure used to treat a variety of headaches and facial pain syndromes, such as cluster headaches and migraines. It provides rapid relief with minimal side effects, making it a valuable treatment option for patients who suffer from severe, recurrent pain.
Ganglion Impar Block
The Ganglion Impar block is a medical procedure used to treat pelvic pain that arises from the perineal region and pelvic organs. By blocking the ganglion impar, the procedure can help alleviate pain related to various conditions that affect the pelvic region, such as chronic pelvic pain, perineal pain, cancer pain, or pain related to conditions like hemorrhoids and prostatitis.