Last updated on July 8, 2025
If you’re dealing with persistent pain that hasn’t improved with standard treatments, your doctor may recommend a nerve block. But what is a nerve block, and what are the 4 types of nerve blocks available?
Nerve blocks are minimally invasive procedures designed to interrupt pain signals sent through the nervous system. By targeting specific nerves or groups of nerves, nerve blocks can provide short-term or long-term pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we offer interventional pain management, including a range of nerve block procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. In this article, we’ll explore the four main types of nerve blocks, how they work, and when they might be used—especially for those managing chronic back pain and other nerve-related conditions.
What Is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block involves injecting local anaesthetics, steroids, or other medications near a nerve or bundle of nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. The goal is to provide targeted pain relief, improve function, and sometimes serve as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the source of pain.
Nerve blocks are commonly used for:
- Chronic back pain and neck pain
- Post-surgical pain
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Nerve damage or neuropathy
How long a nerve block lasts depends on the type of block, the medication used, and the underlying condition being treated.
What Are the 4 Types of Nerve Blocks?
There are many types of nerve blocks, each targeting different areas of the nervous system to manage pain. However, most are grouped into four main categories based on their anatomical location and purpose. Understanding these categories can help you and your doctor determine which approach may be best for your condition.
1. Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Peripheral nerve blocks target specific nerves located outside the spinal cord and central nervous system, typically in the arms, legs, or torso. They are frequently used in surgical and post-operative settings, as well as in chronic pain management for isolated nerve injuries.
These blocks work by delivering local anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication around the targeted nerve, effectively numbing the area it supplies. By interrupting pain signals from a precise location, they offer localised relief without affecting the entire body.
Common uses include:
- Orthopaedic procedures (e.g., shoulder, knee, or ankle surgeries)
- Post-operative pain control after joint replacement
- Nerve entrapment syndromes
- Pain from sports injuries or trauma
Duration: Relief may last from a few hours to several days. Some long-acting formulations can provide multi-day pain relief, making them especially useful in short-term recovery periods.
2. Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary functions like blood flow and digestion. In some chronic pain conditions, this system becomes overactive, contributing to burning, aching, or vascular pain. Sympathetic nerve blocks help to calm this response.
These blocks are administered near the spine, targeting a bundle of sympathetic nerves responsible for the affected region (such as the lumbar or stellate ganglia). They can help determine whether the pain is sympathetically mediated, while also offering relief.
Common uses include:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Raynaud’s disease and other cold-induced vascular conditions
- Pelvic or abdominal pain syndromes (e.g., chronic pancreatitis)
- Cancer-related visceral pain
Duration: Relief may be temporary at first, but repeated injections can train the nervous system to reduce overactivity, offering longer-term management in suitable patients.
Epidural and spinal nerve blocks are administered around or into the spinal canal.
3. Epidural and Spinal Nerve Blocks
These blocks are administered around or into the spinal canal to target multiple nerve roots that serve the lower body. They are most commonly used for back and leg pain, labour and delivery, or post-surgical recovery.
- Epidural nerve blocks are injected into the space outside the spinal cord (epidural space) and offer gradual, adjustable relief.
- Spinal blocks, also known as intrathecal blocks, involve injecting medication directly into the spinal fluid and act faster and more intensely, but are usually used for shorter durations.
Both types reduce inflammation and block nerve signals, making them ideal for acute pain control and chronic lower back conditions.
Common uses include:
- Labour and childbirth
- Herniated discs and spinal stenosis
- Sciatica and leg pain
- Chronic back pain unresponsive to oral medication
Duration: Relief can last from hours to weeks, depending on the drug used and whether a catheter is placed for continuous delivery. For chronic issues, these may be done as part of longer-term treatment plans.
4. Facet Joint and Medial Branch Blocks
Facet joint blocks target the small joints in the spine responsible for allowing movement between vertebrae. Medial branch blocks target the tiny nerves that supply these joints. Both types are useful in identifying whether the facet joints are the source of back or neck pain, and in providing relief.
These injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic. If pain relief is significant after a medial branch block, the patient may be a candidate for radiofrequency treatment, which can provide longer-lasting results by interrupting nerve signals more permanently.
Common uses include:
- Chronic back or neck pain from arthritis or degeneration
- Facet joint syndrome
- Whiplash-related pain
- To determine if a permanent nerve block for back pain, like RFA, is appropriate
Duration: Relief may last days to several weeks. If the block is successful, it may be repeated or followed by radiofrequency ablation, which can offer relief for 6 to 12 months or longer.
How to Book an Appointment
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we are committed to providing personalised and compassionate care for patients seeking relief from chronic pain. For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact our friendly staff by either calling us on (02) 9023 9970, via our online form or by sending us an email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nerve block and how does it work?
A nerve block is an injection that blocks pain signals by targeting specific nerves with anaesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication. It provides targeted relief with minimal systemic effects.
How long does a nerve block last?
Some nerve blocks last just a few hours, while others offer relief for several days or weeks. The effect depends on the type of block, the medications used, and the underlying condition.
Are nerve blocks safe?
Yes, nerve blocks are considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Minor side effects such as soreness at the injection site may occur, but serious complications are rare.
Can I get a permanent nerve block for back pain?
While standard nerve blocks are temporary, procedures like radiofrequency ablation can offer longer-lasting or semi-permanent relief for conditions like facet joint pain.
When is a nerve block recommended over surgery?
A nerve block may be recommended when you want to avoid or delay surgery, need short-term relief, or require a diagnostic procedure to pinpoint the source of your pain.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
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