My lower back hurts so much that it’s hard to walk, and I keep feeling tingling and pulling sensations down my leg. I’ve tried taking medication and getting physical therapy, but there’s been no improvement. Does this mean surgery is my only option now
Back and neck pain are among the most common complaints in modern life. Especially when a herniated disc in the lower back or neck compresses the nerves, it can lead not only to pain but also to neurological symptoms such as tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.
However, since surgery can feel like a big step, many people look for alternative treatment options. One of the most effective non-surgical methods is nerve block therapy.
Today we’ll take a close look at what nerve block therapy is, and examine in detail the symptoms of lumbar and cervical disc problems that may require a nerve block, as well as the treatment process.
If you’ve been feeling pain in your neck or lower back and your discomfort has been gradually getting worse, we encourage you to read today’s guide carefully.
📌 Contents ▪ What is nerve block therapy? ▪ Advantages and key features of nerve block therapy ▪ What kinds of pain can nerve block therapy help? ▪ Why efforts to prevent pain recurrence are necessary
What Is Nerve Block Therapy?
Nerve block therapy is a procedure in which medication is directly injected around the nerves that cause pain to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
The nerves surrounding the spine can become compressed or inflamed for various reasons, leading to severe pain. Nerve block therapy targets the root cause of this pain and focuses on blocking the transmission of pain signals.
Using imaging equipment such as X-ray (C-arm) or ultrasound, the exact location of the affected nerve is identified. Then, medication is precisely injected through a fine needle into the targeted area.
The injected medication usually contains anesthetics and anti-inflammatory agents, which help reduce swelling and inflammation in the tissues surrounding the nerve. This, in turn, prevents pain signals from being transmitted to the brain—allowing patients to experience pain relief relatively quickly.
Advantages and Key Features of Nerve Block Therapy
A Minimally Invasive, Low-Burden Treatment
Nerve block therapy is a non-surgical procedure that does not require incisions or general anesthesia. The procedure itself takes only about 10–15 minutes, leaves no scars, and allows for a quick return to daily activities. It is also considered highly safe, with minimal side effects even after repeated treatments. This makes it an excellent alternative for elderly patients or those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure who may find surgery risky or burdensome. If you’ve been postponing treatment out of fear of surgery, nerve block therapy may offer a safe and effective path to relief from pain.
Reduced Concern About Steroid Use
The steroid medication used in nerve block therapy is administered in a very small amount—about one-tenth of the conventional dosage. While it effectively reduces inflammation, the significantly lower dosage means that patients who are concerned about steroid use can undergo the procedure with greater peace of mind. Because the injection is guided precisely to the targeted area, the risk of side effects is greatly minimized while maximizing the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment.
What Types of Pain Can Nerve Block Therapy Help With?
Nerve block therapy can be effective for nerve-related pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs in the lower back or neck and spinal stenosis. It is particularly beneficial for radiating pain that extends from the lower back to the hips and legs, or for tingling and pain that spread from the neck to the arms and hands.
It can also be a good treatment option for patients who have not responded well to medication or physical therapy, or who wish to avoid surgery.
If you’re struggling with pain in your back, neck, or shoulders, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and actively consider non-surgical treatment options that best suit your condition.
Why Effort Is Needed to Prevent Pain Recurrence
After the procedure, you may experience temporary swelling, bruising, or tingling around the injection site, but these symptoms usually subside naturally within a few days. To aid recovery, it’s best to avoid excessive physical activity and get plenty of rest on the day of the procedure.
However, it’s important to remember that nerve block therapy effectively relieves pain but does not address the underlying cause of the condition itself.
Therefore, maintaining good posture and engaging in regular, appropriate exercise are essential to prevent pain from returning.
Simple daily habits can make a big difference in protecting your spine—such as bending your knees instead of your back when lifting heavy objects, taking short stretching breaks when sitting for long periods, and relaxing your muscles with a warm compress before bed.
At Seoul Painfree Rehabilitation Clinic, we also provide other treatments that can help relieve pressure on compressed nerves. One such treatment is ATT robotic decompression therapy, which is designed to alleviate nerve compression regardless of the cause.
This therapy is performed while the patient lies down comfortably. The device gently stretches, bends, and rotates the spine according to each individual’s condition, helping to reduce disc pressure safely and effectively.
In addition to this, we also offer chiropractic care, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), as well as various exercise and rehabilitation programs tailored to each patient’s needs.
If you are struggling with ongoing neck or back problems, we encourage you to visit Seoul Painfree Rehabilitation Clinic before the condition worsens. Thank you.
