Electrical Nerve Block: An Overview

Introduction

There are many means to control neurological pains. Among those means, one sure technique is by using an electrical nerve block. The electrical nerve block is a therapy to treat pain by using low-voltage currents over the targeted pain area. It is done by a small device, which transfers low-level winds to treat the pain. The therapy is named transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). This article elaborates on the electrical nerve stimulation or block, its indications, types, and working.

What Is an Electrical Nerve Block?

An electrical nerve block is a therapy to relieve pain by applying low-voltage electrical currents over the targeted area. The electrical nerve block is performed by a battery-powered device that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes when placed on the skin's surface. The electrodes must be placed near the nerves where the pain is targeted or over the trigger points.

How Does Electrical Nerve Block Work?

Two theories are present to describe the working of the electrical nerve block. They are:

• The electric current generated by the device causes the nerve cells to block the transmission of pain signals and change the pain perception.

• The second theory is that nerve stimulation raises endorphins (pain-killing chemicals). Further, the endorphins block the pain nerve sensations.

What Are the Indications of an Electrical Nerve Block?

The electrical nerve block is used to relieve pain and can be used for chronic pains, which are long-lasting and acute ones that are short-term. Some of the indications of the electrical nerve block are:

• Arthritis (a joint disease that causes pain and stiffness).

• Fibromyalgia (a disease that involves musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, and memory issues.

• Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon).

• Sports injury.

• Labor pains (pains occurring in a pregnant woman during the baby's delivery).

• Lower back pain.

• Chronic pelvic pain.

• Diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage initiating from a leading cause of diabetes).

• Periphery artery diseases (hardening of the arteries that circulate the blood).

• Myofascial pains (pain occurring in the muscles of the face).

How Long Will the Nerve Block Last?

It is based on the kind of treatment performed on the patients. Nerve blocks block the nerve, lasting for a few days or weeks and precisely 15 to 24 hours. Everyone reacts uniquely. A single injection may relieve specific individuals, but repeated nerve block treatments may be necessary for others. Some people do not experience any reduction in their pain.

What Are the Contraindications to Electrical Nerve Blocks?

The doctor will not recommend electrical nerve block if the patient has conditions like:

• Pregnancy - The doctor will not recommend the nerve blocks if the patient is pregnant or demands an electrical nerve block to the abdomen, pelvic areas, lower back, knee, hand, or ankle. However, it can be used in labor pain but not in pregnancy.

• Cancer - The doctor prohibits the patient from an electrical nerve block as the doctor avoids the electrodes on the suspected cancer area. The patient also should avoid electrical nerve block if he has undiagnosed pain or a history of cancer in the last five years.

• Epilepsy - The electrodes can generate impulses that can cause seizures. So the patient with epilepsy is prevented from going for an electrical nerve block.

• Implanted Devices - The patient has an implanted device like a cardioverter, neurostimulator, bone growth stimulator, and indwelling blood pressure monitor. They cannot use electrical nerve block therapy as it can malfunction these devices.

• Deep Vein Thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis - Using an electrical nerve block can increase blood circulation over the area, thus increasing the risk of dislodging a blood clot.

• Bleeding Disorders - Patients suffering from bleeding disorders can have the risk of bleeding after the electrical nerve block.

• Heart Disease Patients - Patients with heart disease can have heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat, characterized by too slow or fast beats) after an electrical nerve block.

• Infections - Infections like tuberculosis or osteomyelitis (severe infection and inflammation of the bone) can spread disease using electrical nerve blocks.

• Radiation Therapy Patients - Patients recently treated with radiation therapy cannot opt for an electrical nerve block.

• Damaged Skin or Areas - Patients with open wounds and damaged skin should also not go for an electrical nerve block.

• Sensitive Areas - Sensitive areas like the eye, mouth, or genitals must also be avoided for electrical nerve blocks.

• Mental Disorders - If the patient suffers from mental or psychological issues, such patients can also not get an electrical nerve block.

What Does an Electrical Nerve Block Device Contain?

The device that provides electrical nerve blocks is small and contains electrodes in the wire attached to end pads. The electrodes present are connected to the device at one side and end pads at the other. These end pads are two inches long and have an adhesion back, so they can be attached to skin wherever required. However, it does not touch the skin directly with acupuncture needles. The device delivers electrical impulses by electrical energy. The doctor can control the generated impulses by intensity, frequency, duration, and type.

What Are the Advantages and Side Effects of the Electrical Nerve Block?

The advantages of electrical nerve blocks are:

• It is portable, and the patient can use it at home too.

• It is a non-invasive method of pain relieving.

• It helps improve the patient's health by reducing the medication intake.

Side effects related to electrical nerve block are:

• Skin becoming reddened, irritated, or rash formation.

• The patient is allergic to the adhesive used.

• Rarely it can also cause burns over the site.

• The patient can become sensitive or feel uncomfortable with a tingling sensation.

Does the Electrical Nerve Block Relieve the Pain?

The results of the electrical nerve block can vary. Some get their pain relieved after the electrical nerve block therapy, whereas others have not found any drastic changes in them after the treatment. So, ideally, it may not reduce the patient's pain ultimately. It is entirely safe to have an electrical nerve block. It is a non-invasive technique to relieve pain. But it is sometimes less effective than required to ease the pain.

Conclusion:

An electrical nerve block is a pain-relieving therapy. It is also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. It is used to modify pain perception and is indicated for arthritis (diseases of joints), myofascial pain, lower back pains, and many areas to relieve the pain. However, it is contraindicated to pregnant patients, implanted devices, and cancer and epilepsy patients