Noninvasive treatments like chiropractic care, non-surgical decompression, massage therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs, targeted/specific exercises, and ice/heat therapy successfully treat most cases of sciatica. However, more aggressive treatment could be necessary for severe cases, and this is where sciatica nerve block injections come in. The Injury Medical Chiropractic team can help you understand the diagnosis and explain the benefits.
Table of Contents
Sciatic nerve block treatments can provide profound relief for intense, non-stop symptoms. The procedure can also provide important diagnostic information to help the spine specialist locate the exact nerve fibers contributing to the symptoms.
Individuals undergoing a sciatic nerve block will be awake during the procedure. Individuals that rather be sedated are recommended to speak with their healthcare provider during the planning phase.
The procedure is done under direct visualization to minimize the risk of complications. However, possible complications could present and are usually linked to the needle insertion into the spinal column. These include:
Complications are rare, but side effects like soreness around the injection site, nausea, and a headache are common and only last a little while.
Individuals with underlying conditions and that are taking various medications may not qualify for a sciatic nerve block or have to consult their doctor for reasons that include the following:
There is a wide range of responses to sciatic nerve blocks.
The sciatic nerve is the longest in the body, and there are multiple potential sites for an anesthetic blockade.
Individuals who continue to experience debilitating sciatica symptoms after a sciatic nerve block could be recommended to undergo surgical procedures.
5 Questions to Answer Before Considering Sciatica Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine, accessed September 28, 2022, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/back-pain/5-questions-to-answer-before-considering-sciatica-surgery.
Jönsson, B et al. “Diagnostic lumbar nerve root block.” Journal of spinal disorders vol. 1,3 (1988): 232-5.
Kanaan, Tareq, et al. “The Efficacy of Therapeutic Selective Nerve Block in Treating Lumbar Radiculopathy and Avoiding Surgery.” Journal of pain research vol. 13 2971-2978. 18 Nov. 2020, doi:10.2147/JPR.S276331
Rodziewicz TL, Stevens JB, Ajib FA, et al. Sciatic Nerve Block. [Updated 2022 June 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470391/
Sciatica: Harvard Health Publishing, (2016, February 19), accessed September 28, 2022, of all the nerve www.health.harvard.edu/pain/sciatica-of-all-the-nerve.
Senthelal S, Dydyk AM, Mesfin FB. Ablative Nerve Block. [Updated 2022 April 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499975/
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information herein on "Sciatica Nerve Block Injection: Wellness Doctor Rx" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
License Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Stress on the lower back during pregnancy often leads to back (upper, middle, lower), sciatica,… Read More
Can melatonin help many individuals dealing with sleep issues and help them stay asleep longer… Read More
For older individuals looking for a workout that can help improve overall fitness, can kettlebell… Read More
Can choosing the right pillow help many individuals with neck pain get a full night's… Read More
What is the recommended way to choose a mattress for individuals with back pain? … Read More
Can non-surgical treatments help individuals with piriformis syndrome reduce referred sciatica pain and help restore… Read More