How Nerve Blocks Work to Relieve Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic nerve pain – what you know as sciatica — can be sharp, shooting, and downright debilitating. Originating in the lower back and radiating through the hips, buttocks, and down the leg, sciatica affects as many as 40% of people at least once in their lives.

Sciatica can disrupt everything from walking and sitting to sleeping. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or rest aren’t enough, a nerve block may offer significant relief. Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, offers nerve blocks to people when sciatica is interfering with their quality of life. 

Here’s how nerve blocks work to alleviate severe sciatic nerve pain.

About nerve blocks

A nerve block is a targeted injection of medication delivered near a specific nerve or group of nerves causing pain. The medication is typically a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation.

The goal is to “block” the pain signals traveling to the brain, offering both immediate and, in many cases, longer-lasting relief.

When it comes to sciatic nerve pain, Dr. Skaribas often uses a nerve root block or epidural steroid injection to calm inflammation and reduce irritation around the spinal nerves that contribute to sciatica.

Nerve blocks to reduce sciatica

Compression or inflammation of one or more of the lower spinal nerves often causes sciatic pain. The irritation is commonly due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or bone spur. 

A nerve block can help reduce sciatic nerve pain by:

Interrupting pain signals

By delivering anesthetic directly to the inflamed area, the nerve block halts the transmission of pain signals from the affected nerve root to the brain. This can lead to immediate pain relief.

Reducing inflammation

Corticosteroids in the injection help calm inflammation around the nerve, which can reduce ongoing irritation and prevent recurring pain episodes.

Providing diagnostic clarity

If the block significantly reduces your pain, it helps confirm the exact nerve root causing the problem. This can help Dr. Skaribas determine future treatment decisions, including further injections, physical therapy, or surgical options.

What to expect during and after a nerve block

Dr. Skaribas performs nerve blocks under image guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound. This helps ensure precise application of the medication. 

When you come in for your appointment, we usher you to a treatment room where you lie on your stomach or side on a medical table. 

Our team cleans and cleanses your skin. Dr. Skaribas uses imaging to guide the needle to the correct location and injects it near the sciatic nerve root.

Expect the whole procedure to take less than 30 minutes.

Most patients can go home the same day. It’s possible the nerve block gives you immediate relief, but the full benefits may take a few days to appear.

Duration of relief

Pain relief from a nerve block can last anywhere from a few days to several months. It really depends on the individual and the severity of nerve irritation. You may need a series of injections for sustained results. 

Nerve blocks also give you enough relief so you can participate in physical therapy to address sciatica.

Candidates for nerve blocks

If you’re struggling with chronic sciatic nerve pain and haven’t found relief from medications or conservative therapies, Dr. Skaribas may recommend a nerve block. He uses it as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help you live and move as comfortably as possible.

Contact Expert Pain today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for sciatic nerve pain.