Nerve Injury Causes and Treatments - Expert Nerve Doctors Near You

What Causes Nerve Injuries?

Nerve injuries occur when nerves are compressed, stretched, or severed. Common causes include:

• Trauma: Accidents, falls, or sports injuries that damage nerve pathways.
• Repetitive Strain: Continuous stress, as seen in carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or infections affecting nerve health.
• Herniated Discs: Pressure on spinal nerves due to disc protrusion.
• Surgical Complications: Unintended nerve damage during medical procedures.

Symptoms of Nerve Injuries

• Sharp, burning, or shooting pain.
• Tingling or numbness.
• Weakness in affected muscles.
• Reduced sensory or motor function.

How Are Nerve Injuries Treated?

Effective treatment depends on the injury’s cause and severity. Options include:

1. Conservative Management:

   • Physical therapy to strengthen and support the affected area.
   • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.

2. Minimally Invasive Interventions:

   • Nerve Blocks: Injections to provide pain relief and diagnostic clarity.
   • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A targeted procedure to disrupt pain signals.

3. Advanced Surgical Options:

   • Nerve repair or decompression for severe cases.

4. Lifestyle Modifications:

   • Weight management and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain.

The Benefits of Nerve Ablations

Radiofrequency nerve ablations (RFA) offer a minimally invasive way to treat chronic nerve pain, particularly in conditions like facet joint syndrome or arthritis. Key benefits include:

• Long-lasting pain relief (often 6-12 months or more).
• Improved mobility and quality of life.
• Quick recovery with minimal downtime.
• Reduced reliance on pain medications.

RFA works by using heat generated from radiofrequency waves to disrupt specific nerve signals, effectively “turning off” pain from targeted areas.

What is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is a medical procedure in which an anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication is injected near specific nerves to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. It is often used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes to manage acute or chronic pain.

Types of Nerve Blocks

There are several types of nerve blocks, including:

1. Local Anesthetic Nerve Block: Temporary pain relief by numbing the affected area.
2. Steroid Nerve Block: Reduces inflammation and provides longer-lasting pain relief.
3. Diagnostic Nerve Block: Helps identify the source of pain by temporarily alleviating it.
4. Sympathetic Nerve Block: Targets the sympathetic nervous system to address conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
5. Peripheral Nerve Block: Focuses on nerves outside the spinal cord, often used in post-surgical or injury pain management.
6. Epidural Nerve Block: Involves injecting medication into the space around the spinal cord, commonly for back pain or labor pain.

When Are Nerve Blocks Used?

Nerve blocks are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Sciatica or herniated discs.
• Arthritis or joint pain.
• Chronic headaches or migraines.
• Pain after surgery or injury.
• Neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage.
• Conditions like CRPS or shingles-related pain.

What are the Benefits of Nerve Blocks?

• Immediate pain relief in many cases.
• Helps identify the source of pain for targeted treatment.
• Reduces reliance on oral medications, including opioids.
• Improves mobility and quality of life.
• Minimally invasive with relatively quick recovery times.

Nerve blocks can be a standalone treatment or part of a comprehensive pain management plan, often combined with physical therapy, medication, or other procedures for long-term relief.

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, our pain management specialists are experienced in performing nerve blocks to help patients regain control of their lives by managing chronic pain effectively.

What Pain Management Doctors Do at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics

At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics, our pain management doctors are experts in diagnosing complex nerve injuries and tailoring personalized treatment plans. Their approach includes:

• Conducting detailed evaluations and advanced imaging to identify nerve issues.
• Offering minimally invasive procedures like nerve blocks, ablations, and spinal cord stimulators.
• Collaborating with physical therapists and other specialists to ensure holistic care.

Whether you’re experiencing acute nerve trauma or dealing with chronic pain, our team is dedicated to finding solutions that restore function and ease discomfort.

Our Convenient Locations

We serve patients across New Jersey at these locations:

• Clifton
• Edison
• West Orange
• Jersey City
• Hazlet

If you’re struggling with nerve pain, contact our team at Garden State Pain and Orthopedics by selecting the "Book Now" button to schedule a consultation and explore innovative treatments tailored to your needs.