What is the name of the injection for a nerve block?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Cleveland Clinic, there are hundreds of types and varieties of nerve blocks used to manage pain. So, to answer the question, 'What is the name of the injection for a nerve block?', you must identify the specific area being treated and the medications used.

Quick Summary

Nerve block injections use local anesthetics and sometimes steroids to temporarily numb specific nerves. The name and composition vary depending on the target nerve and purpose.

Key Points

Variety of Injections: The term 'nerve block' refers to a procedure, not a single injection, with names varying based on the specific nerve or area targeted.
Key Medications: Injections typically contain a local anesthetic (like lidocaine or bupivacaine) for immediate numbing and often a corticosteroid for longer-term anti-inflammatory effects.
Targeted Approach: Nerve blocks are precise treatments that isolate and treat the source of pain by injecting medication directly near the affected nerve.
Imaging Guidance: Procedures are performed using image guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to ensure accurate and safe needle placement.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Uses: Nerve blocks can be used to diagnose the source of pain, provide therapeutic relief, or serve as anesthesia during surgery.
Duration Varies: The duration of a nerve block's effect depends on the medications used and the type of block, potentially lasting for hours, days, or even months.
Specialized Practitioners: Nerve blocks are administered by trained medical specialists, such as anesthesiologists or pain management physicians.

The question, "What is the name of the injection for a nerve block?" does not have a single answer because a nerve block refers to a medical procedure, not a specific drug. The injection contains a mix of medications and the name of the procedure itself varies based on the targeted nerve or area of the body. Nerve blocks are a common, effective pain management tool used for therapeutic, diagnostic, and anesthetic purposes.

Common Medications Used in Nerve Block Injections

To perform a nerve block, a specialist injects a combination of medications to achieve both immediate and long-lasting effects. The precise mixture depends on the patient’s condition and the block’s purpose.

Local Anesthetics

Local anesthetics are the primary numbing agents that provide immediate pain relief by blocking nerve impulses. The most common ones include:

Lidocaine (brand name: Xylocaine): A fast-acting anesthetic, often used for its quick onset to provide initial numbing.
Bupivacaine (brand names: Marcaine, Exparel): A longer-acting anesthetic that can provide pain relief for hours or even days. Exparel is a special formulation that prolongs the effect significantly.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory agents, are often added to a nerve block injection to provide more sustained pain relief. By reducing inflammation around an irritated nerve, they help address the underlying cause of pain, rather than just masking the symptoms.

Dexamethasone or triamcinolone: Examples of steroids used to decrease swelling and inflammation around compressed or irritated nerve roots.

Adjuvants

In some cases, adjuvant drugs are added to extend the duration of the anesthetic effect. These may include certain alpha-2 agonists or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The use of these requires careful consideration by the physician due to varying efficacy and safety profiles.

Types of Nerve Block Injections

Instead of a single name, nerve block injections are classified based on the specific nerves or bundles of nerves they target. A few common types include:

Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB): This injection targets a specific spinal nerve root as it exits the spinal column, often to treat sciatica caused by a herniated disc.
Epidural Nerve Block: Medication is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord to provide broader pain relief across a region, such as for labor or chronic back pain.
Peripheral Nerve Block: This category includes injections that target nerves outside the spine and central nervous system. Examples include genicular nerve blocks for knee pain or intercostal nerve blocks for rib pain.
Sympathetic Nerve Block: These blocks target a part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary functions, and can help with conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Occipital Nerve Block: Specifically targets the occipital nerves at the back of the head, used to diagnose and treat occipital neuralgia and chronic migraines.
Facet Joint Block: Injections into or near the small joints connecting vertebrae in the spine to address back pain caused by arthritis or injury.

Comparison of Common Nerve Block Types


Feature	Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB)	Epidural Nerve Block	Peripheral Nerve Block	Sympathetic Nerve Block
Target	Specific spinal nerve root	Epidural space surrounding spinal nerves	Specific nerves in a limb or region	Nerves in the sympathetic nervous system
Location	Spinal column exit point	Epidural space near spinal cord	Varies, e.g., knee (genicular), arm (brachial plexus)	Ganglia (nerve bundles) along the spine
Purpose	Diagnostic to pinpoint specific nerve pain; therapeutic to relieve inflammation	Broad pain relief for back pain, sciatica, or during childbirth	Pain management for specific joint or limb issues	Treats conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Medications	Local anesthetic + Corticosteroid	Local anesthetic + Corticosteroid	Local anesthetic, sometimes with corticosteroids	Local anesthetic

The Nerve Block Procedure

A nerve block is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by a trained professional, such as an anesthesiologist or pain management specialist.

Preparation: Patients often need to fast for a few hours prior to the procedure. They must inform the doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners, and will typically arrange for someone to drive them home.
Positioning: The patient is positioned comfortably on a table to allow easy access to the injection site.
Image Guidance: To ensure precise placement, the doctor uses imaging technology like real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray).
Injection: The skin is first numbed with a local anesthetic. The specialist then guides a needle to the target nerve and injects the medication. A contrast dye might be used during fluoroscopy to confirm proper needle position.
Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a short period. Mild soreness or temporary numbness and weakness are common side effects.

Risks and Considerations

While generally safe, nerve block injections carry some risks. These are often less severe than surgical complications but should be discussed with a physician. Potential risks include:

Bleeding or infection at the injection site.
Temporary numbness or weakness.
Accidental injection into a blood vessel, which could cause systemic toxicity.
Nerve injury (rare, and often temporary).
Allergic reactions to the medications.

Certain conditions, such as active infection or bleeding disorders, may be contraindications for a nerve block.

Conclusion: No Single Name for All Nerve Block Injections

In summary, there is no single answer to the question, "What is the name of the injection for a nerve block?" The term encompasses a variety of procedures and medications tailored to specific nerves and pain conditions. Instead of one name, the injection is identified by the target nerve (e.g., Selective Nerve Root Block) and consists of local anesthetics, often combined with corticosteroids, to block pain signals. Nerve blocks offer a targeted, minimally invasive approach to managing acute and chronic pain, helping to reduce reliance on oral pain medications and improve recovery. Patients should discuss their options with a pain management specialist to determine the best approach for their unique situation. For more information, you can review details on nerve blocks for surgery from authoritative sources like Yale Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients report only a minor pinch or stinging sensation when the initial local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin. The procedure itself is typically well-tolerated, and you may receive a mild sedative to help you relax.

The duration of pain relief varies greatly depending on the specific type of block and the medications used. A diagnostic block might last only a few hours, while a therapeutic block with a corticosteroid could provide relief for several weeks to months.

An epidural is a specific type of nerve block where medication is injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord to provide broad relief for conditions like back pain or for labor. A nerve block is a more general term that can refer to targeting specific, isolated nerves anywhere in the body.

A nerve block injection typically contains a mix of medications, most commonly a local anesthetic like lidocaine or bupivacaine and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid like dexamethasone or triamcinolone.

Yes, but they are generally rare and less severe than with surgical procedures. Risks can include infection, bleeding, temporary numbness or weakness, or an allergic reaction to the medication.

No. You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home, especially if you received a sedative or if the injection results in temporary numbness or weakness that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Nerve blocks treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and pain from conditions like shingles, arthritis, and some cancers.