Nerve blocks, also known as neural blockades, are effective procedures utilized to prevent or manage various forms of pain. These procedures often involve the administration of medications through injections to block pain signals from specific nerves. Nerve blocks can provide relief from pain and, if necessary for surgery, induce temporary numbness in the targeted area.
One of the most widely recognized nerve block techniques is an epidural. During childbirth, many women opt for an epidural to alleviate the pain of labor and delivery. In this procedure, an anesthetic drug is carefully injected into the space surrounding the spinal column, offering localized pain relief.