Patient Information Resources


Centre for Orthopaedics
Suite 10-33/34/35 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore, 329563, Singapore
Ph: (65) 6684 5828
Fax: (65) 6684 5829
sharon@cfo.com.sg






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

What's the difference between a nerve block and nerve degeneration? I have chronic sacroiliac joint pain, and I see on the Internet that both of these methods can work to stop the pain. But I can't tell by reading the reports what's the difference?

Nerves that innervate or tell a muscle or joint what to do can be divided into two types: sensory or motor. Sensory nerves conduct messages to the brain to tell it what's going on in the muscle or the joint. Is there pain or a change in the position or pressure within the area? The sensory nerve picks up information from sensitive receptors and relays it to the brain. Pain is a common message carried by sensory nerves. The motor branch of a nerve is responsible for taking messages from the brain to the joint or muscle and using that information to tell the structures to move. In the case of a nerve block, a numbing agent like novacaine (usually lidocaine is used) is injected into the joint. This local anesthetic blocks messages from the sensory nerve to the brain. It is one way to effectively cut off pain generated from that area. Nerve blocks are temporary. In other words, like novacaine used in the dentist's office to numb your gums, the numbing effects don't last. Once the nerve block wears off, there is a chance the pain will still be there. But usually, in the case of something like chronic sacroiliac joint pain, the pain cycle has been broken and the pain is gone. Sometimes, it takes two injections to get the full benefit. When those two injections are helpful but don't provide complete (or strong enough) relief, then it may be necessary to cut the sensory nerve. Cutting the nerve is called denervation. The nerve will eventually grow back, but at such a slow pace, the original pain message will be long forgotten. Motor nerves are not usually blocked or cut. They do not relay pain messages and disrupting these nerves will alter movement and function.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.