Brachial Plexus Block
A brachial plexus block is an injection procedure that is used to simultaneously diagnose and alleviate the symptoms of upper extremity chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and peripheral neuropathies. The procedure is done using x-ray guidance to insert a needle into the affected area and delivering a local anesthetic. Brachial plexus blocks may be administered as a single injection, or in some cases, may be left in with a dressing for daily injections.
Learn about your treatment options
The first step in treating your pain is to get an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor can determine your best treatment options. At The Pain Center, we offer traditional and state-of-the-art therapies to treat your pain and help get you back to your normal activities.
What is Brachial Plexus Block?
A brachial plexus block is an administration of medicine either by a single-injection technique, or a small catheter to simultaneously diagnose and alleviate the symptoms of upper extremity chronic pain conditions.
What Types of Pain Does Brachial Plexus Block Treat?
Brachial plexus blocks treat pain in your neck, arm, or shoulder.
How Does Brachial Plexus Block Work?
The procedure is performed using x-ray guidance to insert a needle into the affected area and deliver the medication. Brachial plexus blocks may be administered as a single injection, or, as in some cases, a catheter may be placed for more continual administration of the medication.
The medication will temporarily block your nerves from sending pain information to your brain from the pain area.
Such conditions treated by nerve blocks include:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Peripheral Neuropathies
What medication is used in a brachial plexus block?
The brachial plexus block is performed by using a local anesthetic which is injected into the nerves of the brachial plexus as it runs between the anterior and middle scalene muscles.
Expectations and Recovery
Patients typically feel pain relief within 10-15 minutes after injection.
Patients are monitored 30-40 minutes after the procedure. Upon no signs of concern, you will be free to leave.
Because you will be given a dose of a local anesthetic, you will be advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.
Side effects may include weakness in the injected arm or shoulder, which we advise against using to lift heavy objects for 12-24 hours after the procedure.
Other Conservative Treatments for Neck, Arm, and Shoulder Pain
Other treatments and procedures used to relieve long term neck, arm, or shoulder pain include:
- Neck Pain Exercises and Stretching
- In order to strengthen the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, exercises and stretching can be implemented, in conjunction with steroid injections if prior pain relief is necessary.
- Epidural Steroid Injections
- For short-term pain relief (typically 3-4 months), steroid injections can be used to treat neck pain and can be combined with physical therapy and exercise for maximum benefit.
- Nerve Blocks
- Therapeutic nerve blocks contain local pain medications that can control acute pain.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
- A minimally invasive procedure in the neck, middle or lower back, that destroys nerve fibers in the back that carry pain signals. It is performed under fluoroscopy (live x-ray).
- Spinal Cord Stimulation
- If other therapies aren’t effective for treating your pain, an implantable pain management device can be an option. These devices administer mild electrical pulses to block the transmission of pain.
Get the care you need within 24 hours*
We know when you’re looking for relief for your chronic pain, you can’t wait any longer than you already have. This is why we can schedule you with an appointment within 24 hours at most of our pain centers across the Valley, so you can start your journey to life-long pain relief as soon as tomorrow.