Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Neck pain can really disrupt your life. It affects how you feel every day. At Liv Hospital, we offer effective treatments to help.

A cervical spine nerve block is a treatment that targets specific nerves with injections. It’s used for many neck problems, like herniated discs and cervical spondylosis.

Learning about this treatment can help you choose the right option for you. We aim to provide top-notch care and support for international patients.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the benefits and types of nerve blocks for neck pain
• Knowing what to expect before undergoing a nerve block for neck pain procedure
• The importance of evidence-based care in treating neck pain
• Liv Hospital’s commitment to patient safety and support
• The role of anesthetic or steroid injections in providing relief

Understanding Cervical Nerve Blocks

Cervical nerve blocks are a key treatment for neck pain caused by cervical spine issues. They block pain signals from the nerves in the neck. This is done at specific levels like C5 or C6.

What Is a Cervical Blocker?

A cervical blocker, or cervical nerve block, is a procedure. It involves injecting medication into or around the neck nerves. This stops pain signals from reaching the brain, helping those with chronic neck pain.

How Nerve Blocks Work to Relieve Pain

Nerve blocks stop pain signals from reaching the brain. By injecting a local anesthetic or steroid, pain is greatly reduced. This method also helps find the source of pain when other methods fail.

Key benefits of nerve blocks include:

• Effective pain relief
• Minimally invasive procedure
• Quick recovery time
• Potential for long-term pain management

Common Cervical Conditions Treated

Cervical nerve blocks treat many neck conditions. These include:

1. Herniated discs
2. Degenerative disc disease
3. Spinal stenosis
4. Cervical radiculopathy
5. Chronic neck pain

By targeting specific nerves, cervical nerve blocks offer significant pain relief. This improves the lives of those suffering from these conditions.

Types of Nerve Block Injections for the Neck

Neck pain can be treated with nerve block for neck pain injections. Each type targets specific areas for relief, delivering medication directly to the pain points for effective pain management.

There are several types of nerve block for neck pain. We’ll look at cervical epidural steroid injections and transforaminal nerve blocks.

Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections

Cervical epidural steroid injections put steroids near the spinal cord in the neck. This reduces inflammation and eases pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

The benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation around the affected nerves
• Pain relief for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis
• Minimally invasive procedure with quick recovery

Transforaminal Nerve Blocks

Transforaminal nerve blocks inject medication into the nerve root as it exits the spinal canal. This is great for diagnosing and treating pain along specific nerve pathways.

Key aspects of transforaminal nerve blocks include:

1. Precise targeting of the affected nerve root
2. Diagnostic and therapeutic benefits
3. Potential for significant pain relief

Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections combine the benefits of transforaminal nerve blocks with steroids. This is effective for treating radicular pain caused by inflamed nerve roots.

By delivering steroids directly to the affected nerve root, this procedure can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Specific Nerve Root Blocks (C5, C6)

Specific nerve root blocks target individual nerve roots, like C5 and C6. These are common causes of neck pain and radiculopathy. These injections can be both diagnostic and therapeutic, helping to identify and treat pain sources.

The benefits include:

• Precise diagnosis of pain sources
• Targeted pain relief
• Potential for improved function and quality of life

Diagnostic vs. Therapeutic Benefits

Nerve blocks play a big role in managing neck pain. They help find the pain’s source and treat it. This makes them key in pain management.

How Nerve Blocks Help Identify Pain Sources

Nerve blocks help find where neck pain comes from. A local anesthetic is injected into nerves. If pain goes away, it shows the nerves causing the pain.

Diagnostic nerve blocks are great when the source is unknown. They pinpoint the nerves involved. This is vital for a good treatment plan.

“The use of diagnostic nerve blocks has revolutionized the way we approach pain management, allowing for more precise and effective treatments.”

— Medical Expert, Pain Management Specialist

Long-term Pain Relief Possibilities

Diagnostic nerve blocks give temporary relief. But, therapeutic nerve blocks can offer lasting pain relief. They often include steroids to reduce inflammation and provide relief for months.

• Short-term relief: Immediate pain relief following the injection.
• Long-term relief: Possible sustained pain relief for months.
• Repeated treatments: Option to repeat injections if needed.

Comparison with Other Neck Pain Treatments

Nerve block injections are among several neck pain treatments. They offer a targeted approach, focusing on the nerves causing pain.

When to Consider an Epidural Block for Neck Pain

An epidural block is considered when other treatments fail. It’s also for those not suited for surgery or who prefer not to have surgery.

Talking to a healthcare provider about nerve block injections is a good idea. They can help decide if it’s right for you.

Nerve Block for Neck Pain: The Procedure Explained

Before getting a nerve block in the neck, it’s good to know what happens before, during, and after. This procedure is simple, but knowing the steps can ease your worries.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before the procedure, several steps are taken to keep you safe and ensure it works well. We will guide you through the preparation process, which includes:

• Reviewing your medical history to identify any risks or complications.
• Discussing your current medications and any necessary adjustments.
• Explaining the procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits.
• Obtaining your informed consent before proceeding.

Step-by-Step Injection Process

The actual nerve block injection in the neck is done in a controlled environment, like a fluoroscopy suite. The procedure involves:

1. Positioning you on an X-ray table for precise imaging.
2. Cleaning and preparing the injection site to reduce infection risk.
3. Using fluoroscopic guidance to accurately place the needle near the affected nerve.
4. Administering the nerve block injection, which may include a local anesthetic and/or steroid.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure, we will monitor you for a short period to check for any immediate reactions or side effects. You will be given instructions on:

• How to manage any discomfort or pain at the injection site.
• Activities to avoid in the short term to ensure the best outcomes.
• Follow-up care, including any necessary appointments or additional treatments.

By understanding the process and what to expect, you can feel more confident and prepared for your nerve block injection in the neck.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Nerve block injections can help with neck pain, but it’s important to know the possible side effects and risks. Like any medical treatment, these injections have risks that patients should be aware of.

Common Nerve Block Injection in the Neck Side Effects

Most people do well with nerve block injections, but some might feel temporary side effects. Common ones include:

• Temporary numbness or weakness in the neck or arm
• Pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Infection (rare)

These side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. It’s key to follow your doctor’s advice after the procedure to avoid complications.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious problems can happen with nerve block injections. These include:

• Severe allergic reactions to the medications used
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke or other vascular complications

Talking to your healthcare provider about your individual risks is important. This helps understand the possible complications for your specific condition.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these symptoms after a nerve block injection, get medical help right away:

• Severe pain or swelling at the injection site
• Fever or chills
• Weakness or numbness that persists or worsens
• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus at the injection site

Knowing the possible side effects and risks helps you make better choices about your treatment. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any unusual symptoms quickly.

By knowing the possible side effects and risks, you can better prepare for your nerve block injection procedure. This way, you’ll know what to expect during your recovery.

Effectiveness and Duration of Relief

Nerve blocks for neck pain are a valuable treatment. They offer significant relief to many patients. The pain relief’s duration depends on several factors. These include the condition being treated and the patient’s characteristics.

Timeline for Pain Relief

Many patients feel relief from neck pain within days after the injection. The time it takes for relief can vary. But, most see improvement in 2-7 days. Some feel relief right away, while others may take a few weeks.

Factors Affecting Duration of Benefits

Several factors can affect how long pain relief lasts. These include:

• The specific cervical condition being treated
• The type of nerve block injection used (e.g., steroid injection for cervical pain)
• Individual patient factors, such as overall health and the presence of other medical conditions
• The severity of the condition before treatment

Knowing these factors helps patients understand their treatment outcomes better.

Success Rates for Different Cervical Conditions

Research shows nerve blocks for neck pain are effective for many conditions. For example:

• Patients with herniated discs or radiculopathy often see significant relief.
• Those with spinal stenosis may also benefit, though relief duration can vary.
• Individuals with chronic neck pain due to degenerative changes can see substantial pain reduction.

Success rates depend on the condition and the precision of the injection.

When Additional Injections May Be Needed

While some patients get long-lasting relief from a single injection for cervical pain, others may need more. Factors that might require additional injections include:

1. The underlying condition is chronic or degenerative.
2. The initial relief was significant but temporary.
3. Symptoms return over time.

In such cases, a series of injections may be recommended. They should be spaced to maintain pain relief and improve quality of life.

Who Should Consider a Cervical Nerve Block

Cervical nerve blocks can help many people, but not everyone is a good fit. We’ll help you figure out if this procedure is right for you.

Ideal Candidates for the Procedure

People who haven’t found relief with other treatments might benefit from a cervical nerve block. Conservative treatments include physical therapy, medicine, and lifestyle changes. If these haven’t helped much, a cervical nerve block could be an option.

Those with specific neck problems like herniated discs or spinal stenosis might also find relief. Our doctors will check if a cervical nerve block is right for you.

When Conservative Treatments Fail

If other treatments don’t work, it’s time to look at other options. A cervical nerve block can help manage chronic neck pain. It involves injecting medicine into nerves to stop pain signals.

Many choose a cervical nerve block after trying other treatments without success. Our team will help decide the best next step for you.

Contraindications and Precautions

While a cervical nerve block can be very effective, there are things to watch out for. People with bleeding disorders, infections, or allergies to the medicine might not be good candidates.

Also, those with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure need extra care. Our team will check your health to make sure it’s safe.

Age and Health Considerations

Age and health are important when thinking about a cervical nerve block. Older adults can benefit, but their health is closely looked at.

We consider things like other health issues, medicines, and past health to make sure we’re doing what’s best for you. This way, we can give you the best results.

Preparing for Your Nerve Block in the Neck

Before getting a nerve block injection in the neck, there are key steps to take. Proper preparation is vital for a successful procedure and a smooth recovery.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Talking openly with your doctor before the procedure is important. You should ask:

• What are the possible risks and side effects of the nerve block?
• How will the procedure be done, and what can I expect during the injection?
• Are there other treatments for my condition?
• How many nerve block injections will I need, and how often?

These questions help you understand the procedure and make informed decisions.

Medication Adjustments Before the Procedure

Your doctor might tell you to change or stop some medications before the injection. This is important for:

Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions about medication changes to stay safe during the procedure.

What to Bring and Wear

On the day of the procedure, wear loose, comfortable clothes that let you easily access your neck. Bring:

• A friend or family member to drive you home
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• A list of your current medications

Wearing comfortable clothes and being prepared will make the procedure smoother.

Recovery Planning and Post-Injection Care

Planning for recovery is key when preparing for a nerve block in the neck. You should:

• Arrange for someone to stay with you for a few hours after the procedure
• Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours
• Follow your doctor’s instructions for post-procedure care, including any follow-up appointments

By planning ahead and following your doctor’s instructions, you can ensure a comfortable and successful recovery.

Conclusion

Understanding nerve blocks for neck pain is key to making the right treatment choice. We’ve looked at cervical epidural steroid injections and transforaminal nerve blocks. This helps you understand your options better.

A cervical spine nerve block can offer a lot of relief for chronic neck pain. Knowing the benefits, types, and possible side effects helps you decide if it’s right for you.

At our institution, we’re dedicated to supporting you in your treatment. Our team offers the care and advice you need to find relief and improve your life. Whether you’re thinking about a nerve block or other treatments, we’re here to help you make informed choices.

FAQ

References

1. Manchikanti, L., Manchikanti, K. N., Damron, K. S., & Pampati, V. (2004). Effectiveness of cervical medial branch blocks in chronic neck pain: a prospective outcome study. Pain Physician, 7(2), 195-201. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16868592/