Nerve Blocks and Medial Branch Blocks in Las Vegas
A nerve block is an injection of numbing medicine, sometimes with a steroid, placed around a specific nerve to interrupt pain signals. Nerve blocks relieve pain and help pinpoint its source. A medial branch block, for example, tests whether arthritic spine joints are causing neck or back pain.
Types of Nerve Blocks
Dr. Gallagher chooses the block based on where your pain starts. Common options include:
- Medial branch blocks for neck and back pain from the facet joints of the spine
- Occipital nerve blocks for headaches that start at the back of the head
- Genicular nerve blocks for chronic knee pain
- Peripheral nerve blocks for pain from a specific irritated or injured nerve
Diagnostic and Treatment Blocks
A diagnostic block uses numbing medicine to see whether a nerve is the source of your pain. If your pain drops significantly for several hours, that nerve is likely involved, and longer-lasting treatment such as radiofrequency ablation may help. Therapeutic blocks add a steroid to calm inflammation for longer relief.
What to Expect
Nerve blocks are quick outpatient procedures done at a surgery center, often 15 to 30 minutes. The skin is numbed and the needle is guided with live X-ray or ultrasound. You may be asked to track your pain for the rest of the day so Dr. Gallagher can plan the next step.
Want a deeper look? Read our article on how nerve blocks work.
Insurance, Medicare and Personal Injury Coverage
Epion accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, workers' compensation and personal injury liens. Some plans require prior authorization, and our team handles verification before your procedure. See the insurance plans we accept, or if you were hurt in an accident, learn how lien treatment works.
Common Questions
What is a medial branch block?
A medial branch block numbs the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints of the spine. If it relieves your neck or back pain, those joints are likely the source, and radiofrequency ablation can provide longer relief.
How long does a nerve block last?
A diagnostic block with numbing medicine lasts a few hours. A therapeutic block that includes a steroid can provide relief for several weeks or longer.
Can nerve blocks help headaches?
Yes. Occipital nerve blocks can relieve headaches that start at the base of the skull, including some headaches after a car accident.
Are nerve blocks covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans and Medicare cover nerve blocks when they are medically necessary. Epion also accepts workers' compensation and personal injury liens.
Talk With Dr. Gallagher
Dr. Gallagher is board certified in Pain Medicine and personally sees every patient at every visit. We accept most insurance plans, Medicare, workers' comp and personal injury liens.