Prior to Procedure

You may talk to a specialist before surgery. They will ask about overall health or previous reactions to anesthesia.

Leading up to your procedure:

• The doctor may ask you to avoid food and drink after midnight the night before.
• Take any medicine recommended by your doctor.
• Avoid certain medicine if recommended by your doctor.
• Have someone available to drive you home.

Description of Procedure

Medicine may be given to help calm you. The area will be cleaned with a special liquid. A medicine may be applied to the skin or injected into the area. It will numb the area before the regional anesthesia is put in.

The doctor will locate the nerve cluster. The needle will be inserted through the skin to the nerves. The medicine will be released into the nerve. It will affect the nerve and area of the body that nerve controls; for example:

• Epidural and spinal injections are placed near the spinal canal. They can block sensation in the entire lower body.
• Peripheral nerve block is placed near specific nerves that feed just 1 arm or leg. It is often used for knee, shoulder, or arm surgery.
• A cervical nerve block is placed in the neck. It can also block off an area of the shoulder and arm.

Cervical Nerve Block

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After Procedure

Sensation and motion of the area will slowly return. It can take a few hours or longer before the area is back to normal.

The pain will return in a few hours. It may take up to 2 weeks before pain is eased. Other medicine and treatment can help to ease pain during recovery.

How Long Will It Take?

It takes several minutes or longer to do the injection. Effects often last for 2 to 6 hours.

Will It Hurt?

Slight pain or tingling may be felt with the injection.

Postoperative Care

Numbness can increase risk for falls or other accidents. Some activity, such as driving, will need to be avoided.