Nerve Block Pain Management

Nerve Block Pain Management: How It Works & What to Expect

A nerve block uses local anesthetic to numb a specific area of your body and reduce pain after surgery—often helping you feel better faster, recover more comfortably, and participate in physical therapy sooner.

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Call: 1-866-250-2510; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where nerve blocks are used

Shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, hand/fingers, knee, leg, ankle, or foot—your anesthesia clinician will discuss the best option for your procedure.

Benefits you may notice

• Significantly less pain after surgery.
• Fewer oral pain pills and fewer side effects (nausea, vomiting, itching, sleepiness).
• Better rest and easier physical therapy participation in early recovery.

The catheter & portable pump

A small catheter is gently threaded near the target nerve; after surgery, it’s connected to a portable infusion pump that can provide continuous local anesthetic for up to about 4 days. The balloon in the pump slowly deflates as medication infuses; you don’t need to adjust the pump.

Safety reminders:
Because the area is numb, you may have muscle weakness and reduced sensation—protect the limb and avoid bearing weight until advised.

At home pump & catheter care

• Keep the dressing clean/dry; small clear or pink drainage can be normal, and leakage is not a concern if pain control is good.
• Don’t change the dressing yourself; reinforce with tape if needed.
• Sponge bathe only while the catheter is in place; keep the pump within ~18 inches of the insertion site.
• Use the provided carrying pack; don’t drop the pump or get it wet.

Removal steps (when your infusion ends)

1. Gently lift the adhesive dressing.
2. Grasp the catheter near the skin and pull it out gently—little discomfort or resistance is expected.
3. Hold pressure for 5 minutes; apply a bandaid and remove later that day.
4. Discard the catheter, tubing, and pump in the trash; do not attempt to remove leftover medication or inject it.
5. Any remaining numbness should resolve within ~24 hours; continue oral pain medications as directed.

Risks & side effects (rare)

Bleeding, infection, nerve damage, arrhythmias, seizures, confusion, dizziness/lightheadedness, drowsiness, ringing in the ears, low blood pressure, and (for arm/shoulder surgery) a sensation of not taking a deep breath. Your team will review your specific risk profile in advance.