Nerve blocks are designed to stop the feelings that go through targeted nerves. A suprascapular nerve block can relieve your shoulder pain long enough for you to complete your physical therapy. An intercostal nerve block stops pain in nerves in your chest. An ilioinguinal and an iliohypogastric nerve block give you relief from groin pain. Dr. Melepura, a qualified pain doctor in Manhattan, NY can offer a variety of options to treat your pain. Make an appointment in our pain and injury clinic today.
Sometimes, following an injury or before you begin physical therapy, your body needs a break from the onslaught of pain. Receiving a nerve block gives your body just that: temporary relief. And that may be all you need to get on track with your new exercise regimen or allow your body sufficient rest as it heals.
Our pain doctor provides nerve block injections in a variety of places where your suffering may originate, including your:
Nerve block injections are commonly used on professional and amateur athletes who suffer from upper back pain, lower back pain, and middle back pain. Whether you have a back injury, a severe back sprain, a pulled muscle in your back or facet joint syndrome, a nerve block may help you avoid invasive procedures like surgery.
A nerve block is an injection of steroids and anesthetics directly into the spot that’s causing you pain. Steroids reduce inflammation, while the anesthetic provides pain relief. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes and is performed right in your NYC doctor’s office.
You lie on an x-ray table so that your doctor can see x-ray images in real time. This arrangement helps guide the placement of the needle. He may inject some contrast dye to highlight the area even further. Once the injection is made, you have to wait about 15 more minutes to give it time to work and to ensure you don’t have any side effects.
Nerve blocks — including an intercostal nerve block designed to treat pain after surgery or where you had shingles on your chest, a suprascapular nerve block for shoulder pain, or ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks for your upper thighs and groin areas — are only temporary fixes. Each lasts only a week or two.
After the medications are absorbed by your body, the pain returns. But the reprieve may be all you need to participate fully in physical therapy or rest. Risks are rare, especially when compared to the benefits. Risks include:
I saw Dr. Melepura due to severe pain and burning as well as weakness on my left leg. I had spoken to two neurologists and felt that they were speaking at me, not to me and not fully listening. Dr. Melepura was the complete opposite, he was kind, compassionate and empathetic. He was also willing to go through extra mile. He performed a sympathetic nerve block on me, and so far successful and promising results. During the procedure he kept me aware of what was going on. After the procedure his office followed up more than once to see how I was doing. I will definitely be going back and am very pleased with my experience.
Emily HirshowitzA suprascapular nerve block targets those nerves in your shoulder that often become painful due to:
Over time, after years of enjoying your sport, you may need a suprascapular nerve block if you played:
Intercostal nerves are located under your ribs. Your sports medicine and pain management physician usually provides intercostal nerve blocks if you have:
The intercostal nerve block procedure also is commonly used as a diagnostic tool when imaging tests don’t reveal the exact location of an injury or disease that’s causing your chest pains. It takes about 30 minutes in our pain management office. When delivered for pain relief, it’s often the only treatment you’ll need.
The ilioinguinal nerve crosses the iliohypogastric nerve as they leave the lower part of your spine and continue down your upper thighs through to your groin. Because they are so small and wound around your pelvis, both nerves are at risk for damage during abdominal surgery, an appendectomy, C-section or even laparoscopic surgery.
Contact sports such as football and wear-and-tear activities such as running can lead to groin traumas that cause chronic pain, but ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks effectively treat this pain. It’s common to get a nerve block following hernia surgery too.
Everyone has different experiences with nerve blocks, but most people find at least temporary relief, something they are very grateful for. Usually, it’s fear of the needle that’s more acute than the needle itself. And your Midtown Manhattan team of specialists ensures your comfort and safety throughout the entire procedure.
Do you have any questions about the nerve block injection we offer in NYC? Would you like to schedule an appointment with the best-rated pain doctor Febin Melepura MD of sports pain management clinic NYC? Please contact our office for a consultation with the top pain relief specialist in Midtown Manhattan.
Sports Injury & Pain Management Clinic of New YorkFebin Melepura, MD is a top rated, best in class interventional pain management doctor. He is a nationally recognized pain relief specialist and is among the top pain care doctors in New York City and the country. He is an award winning expert and contributor to a prominent media outlets.
Dr. Febin Melepura has been recognized for his thoughtful, thorough, modern approach to treating chronic pain and, among other accolades, has been named a “top pain management doctor in New York”, and one of “America’s Top Doctors™” for an advanced sports injury treatments.