What to Expect After a Nerve Block

By the GSMC pain management team, medically reviewed by Dharam P. Mann, MD

A nerve block places numbing medicine, often with a steroid, near a specific nerve. If you have one scheduled, it helps to know what the rest of the day and the next few days usually look like. This guide walks through recovery step by step. For common questions about the procedure itself, see the FAQ on our spinal nerve root block page.

GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.

At GSMC, Dr. Mann performs nerve blocks himself. Over his career he has done at least 1,000 selective nerve root blocks and about 500 ultrasound-guided nerve injections (approximate career totals).

Right after the procedure

• You rest in the recovery area for a short time while we check on you.
• The area may feel numb, heavy or weak. This comes from the numbing medicine and usually fades within a few hours.
• Your pain may feel much lower right away. That early change is important information, so take note of it.
• Plan to have someone drive you home.

The first few hours: track your pain

A nerve block is often both a treatment and a test. If numbing a specific nerve eases your usual pain, that helps confirm where the pain is coming from. We may give you a simple pain diary. Rate your pain from 0 to 10:

• Before the block
• 30 minutes after
• Every hour or two for the rest of the day

Try a few normal movements that usually hurt, like standing, walking or turning your neck, so your ratings reflect real life. Bring the diary to your follow-up visit.

The rest of the day

• Take it easy. Short walks around the house are fine.
• Use caution on stairs while your arm or leg feels numb.
• Avoid driving, cooking with heat on a numb area, and heavy lifting.
• You can usually eat normally.
• Keep the bandage on for the time your care team suggests.

Days 1 to 3

• Soreness at the injection site is common. An ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time may help.
• Once the numbing wears off, your usual pain may return for a few days. If a steroid was used, it often needs 2 to 7 days to start working.
• If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often. Steroids can raise it for a day or two.
• Some people notice a flushed face or trouble sleeping. These usually pass quickly.
• Most people return to normal activity and desk work within a day or two.

The following weeks

If a steroid was included, relief may build over the first week and may last weeks to months. Results vary. Use the lower-pain window to stay active and keep up with physical therapy. Our article on how long an epidural steroid injection lasts explains the steroid timeline in more detail.

Your follow-up visit

We review your pain diary and how you have felt since the block. Depending on the result, next steps may include physical therapy, a repeat block, radiofrequency ablation for some nerve and joint pain, or other options. Talk with your doctor about what fits your goals.

When to call us

• Fever
• Redness, swelling or drainage at the injection site
• A severe headache
• New weakness or numbness that does not go away

Loss of bladder or bowel control, or any medical emergency, needs care right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Where we offer nerve blocks

We see patients at our Toms River office on Hooper Avenue and our other offices in Ocean and Monmouth County. We verify your benefits before scheduling procedures.

Call 732-202-3000 or request a consultation.

Related reading: How long does an epidural steroid injection last?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does numbness last after a nerve block?

The numbing medicine usually wears off within a few hours. Some people notice numbness or heaviness in the arm or leg for part of the day.

Can I go back to work the day after a nerve block?

Many people return to work the next day, especially with desk jobs. If your job is physical, ask your doctor when it is safe to return.

Why does my doctor want me to track my pain after a nerve block?

A nerve block is often also a test. How much your pain changes in the first hours tells your doctor whether that nerve is a likely pain source, which guides the next step.

Is it normal to feel sore after a nerve block?

Yes. Soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. An ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time may help.

When should I call after a nerve block?

Call the office if you have fever, redness or drainage at the site, a severe headache, or weakness that does not go away. Loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency care right away.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your own doctor about your symptoms and treatment. Individual results vary.