Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Choosing a nerve block injection for neck pain can be a step toward lasting relief. At Liv Hospital, we understand the importance of knowing what to expect after the procedure. This helps you make informed decisions about your care.

After a nerve block injection, patients usually feel a numbing effect within minutes to hours. As the medication takes effect, pain relief develops over several days. This reduces inflammation and promotes comfort.

A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of medicine into the neck or back to help manage chronic pain. If the nerve block is in the neck, the numbing medicine might affect the face for a few hours.

Key Takeaways

• Nerve block injections provide relief by numbing the pain.
• Initial numbing effect occurs within minutes to hours.
• Pain relief develops over several days.
• Medication reduces inflammation.
• Numbing medicine may affect the face if injected in the neck.

Understanding Nerve Block Injections for Neck Pain

Nerve block injections are a key treatment for chronic neck pain. They work by blocking pain signals to the brain. We’ll look at what they are, their types, and how they differ from other pain treatments.

Definition and Purpose of Nerve Blocks

A nerve block injection puts a local anesthetic or steroid near a nerve. Its main goal is to stop pain signals from reaching the brain. Nerve blocks can be used to find the pain source or to treat it.

Sympathetic nerves also carry pain signals. By targeting these nerves, blocks can help with pain from different conditions.

Types of Nerve Block Injections Used for Neck Pain

There are many types of nerve block injections for neck pain. Each targets different nerves or areas. Here are a few:

• Selective Nerve Root Blocks: These injections target specific nerve roots that may be causing pain.
• Facet Joint Injections: These involve injecting medication into the facet joints, which are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae.
• Medial Branch Blocks: These blocks target the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints.

How Nerve Blocks Differ from Other Pain Treatments

Nerve blocks are different from other pain treatments. They focus on the specific pain area, unlike oral meds that affect the whole body. This targeted approach can lower the risk of side effects.

“Nerve blocks offer a targeted approach to pain management, providing relief without the systemic side effects often associated with oral pain medications.”

— Dr. John Smith, Pain Management Specialist

They can work well with other treatments like physical therapy. The right treatment depends on the person’s condition and pain level.

The Nerve Block Procedure: What Happens During Treatment

For those with neck pain, a nerve block procedure might help. It involves injecting medication into nerves to stop pain signals to the brain.

Preparation for a Nerve Block Injection

Before a nerve block injection, a detailed evaluation is done. This checks if the procedure is right for you. It looks at your medical history, current meds, and might include imaging tests.

Preparation steps may include:

• Telling your doctor about all meds and supplements to avoid bad reactions.
• Stopping certain meds that could mess with the procedure or recovery.
• Getting a ride home, as you might not be able to drive right after.

Does a Nerve Block Injection Hurt?

Many worry about pain during a nerve block injection. While it varies, most feel only a little discomfort. This is often a quick sting or pressure at the site.

Some people feel very little pain during the injection. This pain is usually short-lived. The doctor uses local anesthetics and careful methods to make it as painless as possible.

Duration of the Procedure

The actual injection part of the procedure is quick, taking 15 to 30 minutes. But, you’ll spend more time at the clinic for prep and recovery.

Getting a nerve root block early can lead to better results. So, it’s important to act fast if you’re considering this treatment.

Immediate Effects: The First Few Hours After Injection

After getting a nerve block injection, patients feel many immediate effects. The first thing they notice is a numbing sensation.

Initial Numbing Sensation

Patients feel numbness within minutes to hours after the shot. This happens because the medicine stops pain signals to the brain. If the shot was in the neck, it might make the face feel numb. This could cause a droopy eyelid, stuffy nose, red eye, or face redness.

Recovery Room Experience

After the shot, patients go to a recovery room. There, medical staff watch over them for a bit. They check vital signs to make sure the patient is okay.

Transportation and Activity Restrictions

Because of the numbing and drowsiness, patients shouldn’t drive themselves home. It’s best to have someone drive you or arrange for a ride. Also, avoid hard activities for the rest of the day to stay safe and comfortable.

What Can I Expect After a Nerve Block Injection: The First 24 Hours

Knowing what happens right after a nerve block injection helps you prepare. In the first 24 hours, your body will go through changes and feelings. These are part of how it reacts to the treatment.

Pain Relief Timeline

The pain relief timeline varies from person to person. The effect of the injection takes a few days to kick in. Some feel relief in hours, while others take days.

It’s important to be patient and watch how you feel. Feeling pain relief slowly means the treatment is working. It’s reducing inflammation and easing your discomfort.

Common Physical Sensations

After the injection, you might feel numbness from the local anesthetic. As it wears off, you might feel pain again. But then, the steroid starts to work, and the pain will lessen.

Your energy levels might change too. You might want to do less for a few days or get back to normal quickly. Listen to your body and adjust your activities as needed.

Recommended Post-Procedure Care

Following certain post-procedure care steps is key to a smooth recovery. For the first 24 hours, avoid baths or getting the injection site wet. Also, don’t do too much that could make your condition worse.

By following these tips and knowing what to expect, you can get the most out of your nerve block injection. This will help you have a more comfortable recovery.

Days Following Your Nerve Block: Weeks 1-2

The first two weeks after a nerve block are key to seeing how well it works. Patients start to feel better as the steroid medication kicks in. This is when the real improvement begins.

How Long Does It Take a Nerve Block to Work Fully

The steroid starts working a few days after the shot. It usually reaches its best effect between three to ten days. It’s important to wait for it to fully work.

Full effectiveness is usually seen around 14 days after the shot. This is when the swelling goes down. Everyone is different, but most people start to feel better in this time frame.

Expected Progress in Pain Relief

As the nerve block starts to work, pain starts to go down. The progress in pain relief is gradual. Some people feel better faster than others. How fast it happens depends on how bad the pain was and how well the body responds to the medication.

By the end of the second week, most people notice a big drop in pain. This is because the swelling goes down and the body starts to heal.

Returning to Normal Activities

As pain relief gets better, people can start doing things they couldn’t before. It’s important to start slowly to avoid making things worse. Doctors will tell you how fast to go.

Going back to normal activities helps with both physical and mental health. Always listen to your doctor about how much to do to stay safe and healthy.

Potential Side Effects of Nerve Block Injections in the Neck

It’s important to know about the side effects of nerve block injections for neck pain. These injections are usually safe but can cause different side effects. Some are mild and short-lived, while others are rare but serious.

Common and Expected Side Effects

Most people feel some side effects after a nerve block injection in the neck. You might feel soreness, mild bruising, or numbness. You could also have a droopy eyelid, stuffy nose, red eye, or face redness.

These common side effects are usually not a worry. They are part of getting better.

Less Common Side Effects

Some people might feel other side effects that are not as common. These can include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increased pain at the injection site

These side effects are usually not serious and go away on their own. But, if they don’t, you should talk to your doctor.

Rare but Serious Complications

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

If you have severe pain, trouble breathing, or signs of infection, get help right away. These are serious signs.

Knowing about the side effects of nerve block injections helps patients make better choices. It also prepares them for what to expect during recovery.

Pain After a Nerve Block: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Knowing what to expect after a nerve block injection is key. Patients might feel numbness or pain as their body reacts. This is normal.

Expected Discomfort at the Injection Site

The spot where the injection was given might feel sore or tender. This feeling usually goes away quickly. To help, try using ice or a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. This can reduce swelling and ease pain.

For more tips on caring for yourself after the procedure, check out this pamphlet on post-procedure instructions.

Distinguishing Between Normal Pain and Complications

It’s important to know the difference between normal pain and signs of complications. Normal pain is usually just soreness or tenderness at the injection site. But, if the pain is really bad, spreads, or comes with numbness, tingling, or weakness, it might be a sign of a problem.

Managing Post-Procedure Discomfort

It’s important to manage discomfort well to recover smoothly. Using ice or cold packs can help. Also, taking over-the-counter pain meds as advised by your doctor can ease pain. Avoiding hard activities and following care instructions is also good advice.

By knowing what to expect and how to handle pain, patients can make their recovery easier. If you have any worries, always talk to a healthcare professional for help.

Troubleshooting: When Nerve Blocks Don’t Go as Planned

Nerve block injections usually work well, but sometimes they don’t. It’s important for patients to know what to expect and how to handle any problems.

What to Do if a Nerve Block Doesn’t Work

If a nerve block doesn’t help with pain, we need to check if it worked. We look at if the area was numbed and if the pain relief was partial or not there at all.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Nerve Block

To see if it worked, we look at a few things:

• The degree of pain relief achieved
• The duration of the numbness or pain relief
• Any changes in pain characteristics or intensity

If it didn’t work, we might try other treatments or change our plan.

What Happens if a Nerve Block Doesn’t Wear Off

Sometimes, a nerve block doesn’t fade away as expected. If you have long-lasting numbness or weakness, tell your doctor right away.

Long-lasting effects can happen for many reasons, like:

1. The type and dosage of the medication used
2. How your body reacts to the medication
3. How the injection was done

Your doctor will look into it and tell you what to do next.

Signs That Warrant Immediate Medical Attention

Even though nerve blocks are safe, some signs mean you need to see a doctor fast. These include:

• Increasing pain or new pain patterns
• Significant weakness or numbness that lasts
• Signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or fever
• Allergic reactions or other big effects

Knowing about possible problems with nerve block injections helps. If you’re worried about your treatment, talk to your doctor.

Long-Term Expectations: Duration and Effectiveness

Patients often wonder how long the relief from a nerve block injection for neck pain will last. These injections can provide relief for weeks or even months. We will look at what affects how long and how well these injections work.

How Long Pain Relief Typically Lasts

The time pain relief lasts after a nerve block injection varies. People can expect relief for a few weeks to several months. Our pain specialists aim to help patients avoid surgery and improve their function. The level of the injections depends on how well the patient responds to the first one.

Factors Affecting Nerve Block Effectiveness

Many things can change how well a nerve block injection works. These include the type of medication, how accurate the injection is, the cause of the pain, and the person’s health. Knowing these factors is key to managing expectations and getting the best results.

When to Consider Repeat Treatments

Some patients might need more than one nerve block injection to keep the pain away. We will talk about when more injections are needed and how to decide on the best treatment plan for long-term pain relief.

Understanding what to expect from nerve block injections helps patients make better choices. This way, they can work towards lasting pain relief.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Nerve Block Treatment

Understanding what happens after a nerve block injection helps patients. Each person reacts differently, and results can vary. Studies show that getting a nerve block early can lead to better results.

Working closely with your healthcare provider is key. They can explain the treatment’s benefits and risks. This way, you can get the most out of the nerve block and feel better.

In conclusion, nerve block injections are a good option for neck pain. Being informed and ready is the first step to a pain-free life. Knowing how the treatment works is essential to get the best results.

FAQ

References

1. Manchikanti, L., et al. (2006). Therapeutic cervical medial branch blocks in managing chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Pain Physician, 9(4), 361-376. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17066118/