Health in Focus Series | Nerve Blocks | Thomas P. Ragukonis, MD
Thomas P. Ragukonis, MD, is a top pain management specialist who lends his skills and expertise to serve patients as Medical Director and Founder of Bergen Pain Management in West New York, Union, and Paramus, NJ. With four convenient locations in New Jersey, Bergen Pain Management is a premiere pain management practice... more
Unlocking Relief: The Science Behind Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks are essential in pain management, offering targeted relief through specific procedures. These techniques, often involving injections, interrupt pain signals to provide immediate comfort or anesthesia for surgeries.
Guided Precision: Using needles guided by fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or CT scans, medical professionals accurately locate nerves. Electrical stimulation helps identify the exact pain source. Injections, containing analgesic or anti-inflammatory agents, are then precisely administered.
Types and Durations: Nerve blocks can be temporary or long-lasting. Surgical options like sympathetic blockades or neurectomies focus on specific nerves, while nonsurgical methods such as epidurals manage pain without the need for invasive procedures.
Empowering Pain Management: These techniques are effective for chronic, postoperative, or acute pain, providing both immediate and extended relief. Nerve blocks help individuals regain their daily activities, from work to exercise.
Versatile Applications: Nerve blocks are used in various situations, including labor pains, arthritis, migraines, and chronic regional pain syndrome. Besides pain relief, they also have diagnostic uses, helping identify the source of pain.
Risks and Considerations: While generally safe, nerve blocks have minimal risks, such as infection or unintended spread of medication. Patients with infections, bleeding disorders, or previous neural issues require careful assessment.
Embracing Recovery: The duration of pain relief ranges from days to years. Consulting with a healthcare provider ensures a personalized treatment plan and addresses any unexpected symptoms or complications after the procedure.
https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/8137175-Thomas-Ragukonis-Paramus-NJ-07652
