What is sciatic nerve block


Posted May 14, 2013 by sarahcoolen

The sciatic nerve block injection is given to patients who are experimenting high pains due to a trapped sciatic nerve.

 
The sciatic nerve block injection is given to patients who are experimenting high pains due to a trapped sciatic nerve. Usually, the injection is given by the medical professional for diagnosis and for treatment. The pain caused by the trapped nerve is located in the back of the leg and in the buttocks as well. Within the composition of the injection, two elements can be found: a steroid and the anesthetic. The anesthetic deals with the discomfort and the steroid treats the condition. The brachial plexus blocks are actually techniques used for regional anesthesia, usually chosen as an alternative to general anesthesia.

The sciatic nerve block can also be used under different circumstances, such as easing pain during the knee surgery. It helps the patient withstand the operation without feeling any pain. Actually, the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and the pain experienced by people is due to an irritation at the nerve level and has the known term of sciatica. There are several ways to diagnose the condition, including analyzing the symptoms, reading X-rays and by testing the functions of the nerve. Sciatic nerve block can easily be used as a tool for diagnosis. In the case the pain goes away after the block, it means the diagnosis is accurate and the patient has sciatica.

Moreover, there are treatments that can be administrated, such as avoiding movements that can only irritate the nerve even more, taking medication and going through physical therapy. There are severe cases on which surgery is needed. The sciatic nerve block has the benefit of providing relief on a temporary basis. Also, local anesthesia is performed in order to numb the nerve and to avoid discomfort inducted by the injection. Although sciatica can be very painful and very irritating for the sufferers, there are treatments and patients will pay the small price of resisting the injections in order to be released from the pain.

Brachial plexus blocks are also managed by the use of injections, while a local anesthetic is being used close to the brachial plexus for blocking the patient’s abilities of moving the upper extremity. It is not necessary for the patient to be fully anesthetized, as he/she may remain awake during the procedure. There are a couple of techniques used to block the nerves and they are classified according to the needle’s insertion level. There are notable advantages of brachial plexus blocks and perhaps the most important one is that general anesthesia can be avoided, including all the side effects and complications that occur afterwards.

Although medical procedures are not without risks, brachial plexus blocks are known to be less invasive and they effect fewer organs. The option is more reasonable and worthy to consider, but there are certain factors to keep count of. For example, the surgery must be limited to certain areas, like the fingers and the shoulder’s midpoint, the patient does not suffer from allergies to local anesthesia, hypersensitivity or anxiety or simply the patient prefers the technique.
There are always medical techniques to consider and there are alternatives to general anesthesia, such as brachial plexus block http://www.ultrasoundblock.com/index.php/nerve-block-techniques/nerve-block-arm . With many advantages, sciatic nerve block http://www.ultrasoundblock.com/index.php/nerve-block-techniques/nerve-block-leg/sciatic-nerve-block is still a medical procedure and needs to be well verified.
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Issued By SArah
Website What is sciatic nerve block
Country United Kingdom
Categories Health
Tags sciatic nerve block , brachial plexus block
Last Updated May 14, 2013