Overview
Peripheral nerve injections place numbing medicine, sometimes with a steroid, around a specific nerve outside the spine. Examples include occipital nerve blocks for headaches and genicular nerve blocks for knee pain.
Ultrasound guidance lets the physician see the nerve, surrounding blood vessels and the needle in real time without radiation.
Watch: how Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Injection works
Video: “Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain: What You Should Know:” from Sound Pain Alliance on YouTube. It explains nerve blocks for chronic pain, including blocks guided by ultrasound. It was made by another pain practice; GSMC did not produce it. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education. Watch on YouTube
How it works
The physician uses an ultrasound probe on the skin to locate the target nerve, then guides a thin needle beside it and injects medication.
Who it may be for
- Pain thought to come from a specific peripheral nerve
- Occipital neuralgia or certain headaches
- Knee or other joint pain being evaluated for nerve-targeted treatment
Your exam and imaging decide whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
What to expect
- Before: we review your medications (especially blood thinners), allergies and imaging. You may need a driver.
- During: you lie on a procedure table, the skin is cleaned and numbed, and the physician uses X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance to place the needle.
- After: you are monitored briefly and usually go home the same day. Keep a pain diary so we can judge the response.
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities the same or next day. Your instructions may differ.
Risks and side effects
Every procedure has risks. Your physician will review them with you, including:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- Temporary increase in pain
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection (uncommon)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Temporary rise in blood sugar if a steroid is used
- Temporary numbness in the area served by the nerve
Insurance and cost
Many plans, including Medicare, may cover this treatment when criteria are met. We verify benefits before scheduling. See accepted insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Why use ultrasound?
Ultrasound shows nerves and vessels in real time and avoids radiation.
How long does a nerve block last?
Numbing medicine lasts hours. Any longer benefit varies.
Can this lead to other treatments?
Yes. A successful block can help your clinician decide whether radiofrequency ablation or other treatments are appropriate.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.