#nerve blocks

That usually takes a day or two to feel okay.

26 injections every month to the back of my head, neck & shoulders yesterday at my neurologist’s for chronic & secere migraine, cluster headaches & occipital neuralgia. My head is always so extremely sore for days after, like a big bruise.

Today? I start my 1st dose of Ajovi. I was approved through their program to begin it as a new migraine medication. I have to take 3 auto-self injectors. Then in 3mths, I switch to monthly.

I’m so very tired of needles.

I know they help. They really do.

Except for sterile gloves.

I can't put those damn sterile gloves on if my life depends on it. It's terrible. I hate it. Help

There is a specific kind of frustration that comes with undergoing a major medical procedure only to find that the very problem you were trying to fix is still there. For many people dealing with chronic back pain, surgery is seen as the ultimate light at the end of the tunnel. You prepare for it, you recover from it, and you pin your hopes on the idea that your life is finally about to return to…

 When pain strikes—whether it’s from an injury, surgery, or a long-standing condition—it can affect every part of your life. From struggling with daily tasks to missing out on important moments, living with pain isn’t just physically draining; it’s mentally exhausting too. Fortunately, advancements in pain medicine have opened up new options for effective relief—one of the most trusted being nerve block anaesthesia.

In this post, we’ll explore how nerve blocks work, what they’re used for, and how Pain Medicine Specialists—like the ones at Box Hill Superclinic—help patients find long-term solutions through this targeted pain management technique.

What Is Nerve Block Anaesthesia?

Simply put, nerve block anaesthesia is a way of stopping pain at its source. Instead of relying solely on painkillers or general anaesthesia, this method involves injecting local anaesthetic around a specific nerve or group of nerves that are sending pain signals to the brain.

The result? Those signals get “blocked,” and you get much-needed relief—often within minutes.

Unlike general anaesthesia, which puts the entire body to sleep, nerve blocks offer a more focused, safer alternative with fewer side effects. Whether it's post-surgery recovery or ongoing chronic pain, nerve block anaesthesia can provide the precise relief many patients need.

When Are Nerve Blocks Used?

Nerve blocks can be used to treat both acute and chronic pain. Some common uses include:

Pain following orthopaedic or abdominal surgery

Back and spine issues like sciatica or herniated discs

Nerve pain in the arms, legs, shoulders, or hips

Chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia

Migraines and facial pain

Pain linked to cancer or cancer treatments

At Box Hill Superclinic, our Pain Medicine Specialists assess each patient’s condition thoroughly before deciding on the best type of nerve block.

How Does the Procedure Work?

If you’re considering a nerve block, here’s what typically happens:

Initial consultation – You’ll meet with a Pain Medicine Specialist to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.

Imaging for accuracy – Technologies like ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to guide the needle precisely.

Anaesthetic injection – A local anaesthetic (sometimes with steroids) is injected near the targeted nerve.

Immediate relief – Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain either instantly or within a few hours.

The whole procedure usually takes under an hour and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.

Types of Nerve Blocks

There isn’t just one type of nerve block—they’re tailored to the location and nature of your pain. These include:

Peripheral nerve blocks – Great for surgery on arms, legs, or shoulders.

Spinal and epidural blocks – Often used for childbirth or lower body procedures.

Facet joint injections – Helpful for neck and back pain.

Sympathetic blocks – Used in managing conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

Why Choose Nerve Block Anaesthesia?

Here are some key benefits of nerve block anaesthesia:

Quick and targeted pain relief

Reduces the need for opioid medications

Fewer systemic side effects compared to general anaesthesia

Improves function and movement

Can be repeated if needed

Short recovery time

This makes nerve blocks an ideal option for patients looking for non-invasive, long-lasting relief.

What About Side Effects?

Like all medical procedures, nerve blocks come with some potential risks. However, serious complications are rare, especially when performed by trained professionals.

Possible side effects may include:

Temporary numbness or weakness

Mild discomfort at the injection site

Risk of infection (minimised in a sterile environment)

Rare allergic reactions to the anaesthetic

It’s always best to discuss any concerns with your Pain Medicine Specialist, who will walk you through what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Managing Chronic Pain: A Holistic View

Nerve block anaesthesia is often part of a bigger pain management strategy. At Box Hill Superclinic, we take a holistic approach that combines treatments such as:

Physiotherapy

Medication review

Lifestyle changes

Exercise therapy

Mental health support

We aim to empower patients by not only treating their symptoms but also tackling the root causes of their pain wherever possible.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Most patients go home shortly after a nerve block injection. Here are a few tips for post-procedure care:

Rest for the remainder of the day

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours

Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection

Follow up with your doctor to assess the results and plan next steps

Relief can last from a few hours to several months, depending on the type of block and the condition being treated.

Is Nerve Block Anaesthesia Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with pain that limits your daily life, nerve block anaesthesia may be worth exploring. It’s especially helpful if:

You’ve tried other treatments with limited success

You want to avoid long-term opioid use

You need short-term relief to participate in physical therapy or rehab

You’re preparing for or recovering from surgery

Pain Relief Starts with the Right Team

Choosing the right clinic and the right professionals can make all the difference. At Box Hill Superclinic, we have a dedicated team of Pain Medicine Specialists who are passionate about helping patients regain control of their lives.

From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we’ll be with you every step of the way—ensuring that you feel supported, informed, and confident in your care plan.

Final Thoughts

Nerve block anaesthesia is more than just a procedure—it’s a modern tool in the growing field of pain medicine that brings real relief to real people. If you're dealing with persistent pain and want a safe, targeted solution, a nerve block could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

Want to learn more?

📍 Visit Box Hill Superclinic 📞 Call us on 03 9899 8668 to book your consultation 💬 Or send a message via our website to speak with a friendly team member

Are you looking for long-term relief from chronic pain? At Melbourne Radiology Clinic, our expert nerve block pain management treatments offer focused pain relief for back pain, neuropathy, arthritis, and other conditions. Employing the latest imaging guidance (including ultrasound or fluoroscopy), our experienced radiologists precisely administer nerve blocks to shrink inflammation and shut down pain signals.