Long-Term Pain Relief: Nerve Block or Ablation?

Chronic pain can affect every part of daily life—from work and rest to time spent with loved ones. For many people, finding lasting relief is a top priority. Two of the most effective procedures used in modern pain management are nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). While both aim to interrupt pain signals, they work in different ways and offer unique benefits.

If you’re ready to explore your pain relief options, contact us today through our online form or call . If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately.

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is an injection that targets a specific nerve or group of nerves to reduce pain in a particular area of the body. The infusion typically contains a local anesthetic and, in some cases, a steroid to reduce inflammation.

How nerve blocks help:

• Provide temporary pain relief, usually lasting weeks to a few months
• Help identify the exact source of pain
• Reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension

Nerve blocks are often used for:

• Back or neck pain
• Pain related to arthritis
• Nerve pain following an injury or surgery

Since nerve blocks are temporary, they are sometimes used as a first step before transitioning to a longer-lasting treatment option, such as ablation.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—also known as nerve ablation—is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes heat generated by radio waves to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves. Instead of using medication like a nerve block, RFA gently targets the nerve itself to stop it from sending pain messages.

Benefits of RFA include:

• Pain relief that can last six months to over a year
• Reduced dependence on daily pain medication
• Improved range of motion and activity levels

This treatment is often used for conditions like chronic back, neck, or joint pain, as well as arthritis-related discomfort. Many patients who find short-term relief from nerve blocks are good candidates for ablation.

For more details about pain management in Indiana, visit our treatments page.

Nerve Blocks vs. Ablation: The Difference

While both nerve blocks and ablation are designed to manage pain, they differ in how they achieve relief and how long that relief lasts.

A nerve block works by temporarily numbing the nerves, allowing your body to rest from pain and inflammation. It can also help doctors identify which nerves are responsible for your discomfort. Relief from a nerve block usually lasts a few weeks to several months.

Radiofrequency ablation, on the other hand, provides a longer-term solution. It uses controlled heat to disrupt nerve activity, which can stop pain signals for six months or more. Ablation is often recommended for patients who respond well to nerve blocks but want more lasting results.

In short:

• Nerve blocks are diagnostic and temporary.
• Ablation is designed for longer-lasting relief.

Both treatments are safe, non-surgical, and performed by our skilled pain specialists.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Both nerve blocks and ablation procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day.

During your procedure:

• You’ll lie comfortably while the provider uses imaging guidance for accuracy.
• A small amount of local anesthetic helps minimize discomfort.
• The procedure typically takes less than an hour.

After the procedure:

• You may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site.
• Pain relief can begin within a few days.
• Most people resume light activities shortly after treatment.

Your provider will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, based on your symptoms, the location of your pain, and your medical history.

When to Consider These Treatments

You may be a good candidate for nerve blocks or ablation if you:

• Have chronic back, neck, or joint pain that hasn’t improved with other treatments
• Want to reduce or avoid long-term use of pain medication
• Prefer a non-surgical approach to pain management

These treatments can be part of a comprehensive plan that includes physical therapy, medication management, and other supportive therapies offered by American Pain Consortium.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Pain Management

Living with ongoing pain doesn’t mean giving up on relief. The specialists at American Pain Consortium can help you understand your options and find a treatment plan that supports your comfort and mobility.

Reach out today through our contact form or call (888) 615-2726 to learn more about pain management in Indiana.