Nerve Blocks for Neck, Back & Head Pain
Targeted testing to uncover the source of pain—and guide you toward long-term relief.
Persistent neck or back pain, as well as occipital headaches, may originate from small joints in the spine known as facet joints. At Silver Pain Centre, we use diagnostic nerve blocks to accurately identify whether these joints are the source of your pain. This involves temporarily “blocking” the nerves with a local anesthetic to see if your pain improves.
What is a Nerve Block?
A nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic near specific nerves to temporarily “block” pain signals from reaching the brain. At Silver Pain Centre, we use diagnostic nerve blocks to pinpoint the exact source of pain—most commonly from the facet joints in the neck, back, or spine.
These blocks are performed using image-guided precision (fluoroscopy or X-ray) to ensure safety and accuracy. If the nerve block significantly reduces your pain, it confirms that those nerves are the likely cause. This helps your physician decide if a more lasting treatment—like radiofrequency neurotomy—is appropriate.
Nerve Blocks May Help Identify the Source of:
Chronic neck or lower back pain
Occipital headaches (base of skull)
Facet joint pain aggravated by movement
Pain persisting after spinal surgery or injury
Pain unresponsive to physical therapy or medications
How the Procedure Works
At Silver Pain Centre, diagnostic nerve blocks are performed in-office by experienced specialists using sterile, image-guided techniques to ensure safety and precision.
Step-by-Step Process:
Positioning
You’ll lie on your stomach while we prepare the treatment area for injection.
Needle Placement
Using X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance, small needles are inserted near the tiny nerves that supply your facet joints—typically in the neck or lower back.
Anesthetic Injection
A small amount of local anesthetic is injected through each needle to temporarily block the targeted nerves.
Monitoring Response
You’ll remain awake during the procedure so you can help assess whether your pain improves. This feedback helps confirm if the facet joints are the true source of your pain.
Repeat Test (if needed)
Because this is a diagnostic procedure, it may be repeated once more for accuracy before considering a longer-lasting option like radiofrequency neurotomy.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and patients return home the same day.
Why Choose Nerve Blocks at Silver Pain Centre?
Image-Guided Accuracy
Precise needle placement using real-time X-ray ensures safe and effective delivery.
Precursor to Long-Term Relief
If effective, nerve blocks pave the way for longer-lasting treatment like radiofrequency neurotomy.
Minimally Invasive
A safe, image-guided outpatient procedure with little to no downtime.
Performed by Experts
Administered by pain specialists highly trained in spinal diagnostics and image-guided procedures.
Diagnostic Clarity
Helps identify the true source of spinal or headache pain to guide next steps in your care.
Covered by OHIP
Most diagnostic nerve block procedures are OHIP-insured when medically indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Relief Last?
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Diagnostic nerve blocks provide temporary pain relief, typically lasting several hours up to a day, depending on the local anesthetic used.
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These injections are designed to confirm whether your pain originates from the facet joints—they are not intended to provide long-term relief.
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If significant pain relief occurs after the block, it indicates that a longer-lasting treatment like radiofrequency neurotomy may be appropriate.
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For accuracy, the block may be repeated once to confirm the diagnosis before proceeding to next steps.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Nerve blocks are most effective for patients with:
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Chronic neck or back pain that hasn’t responded to medication or physical therapy
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Occipital headaches starting from the base of the skull
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Pain that worsens with movement, prolonged sitting, or standing
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Pain possibly originating from facet joints in the spine
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A need for diagnostic clarity before considering longer-lasting treatments
If your pain improves significantly after the block, it confirms the affected nerves as the source—helping your physician build a more targeted treatment plan.
Why Choose Silver Pain Centre?
- Expert Diagnostics: Our specialists are trained in image-guided procedures that deliver safe, accurate results.
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OHIP-Covered: Most diagnostic nerve block procedures are fully covered when medically indicated.
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Quick Recovery: Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime—most patients return to regular activities the same day.
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Personalized Follow-Up: If the nerve block is successful, we’ll guide you through next steps, including the option for radiofrequency neurotomy.
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Compassionate Care: Our team is dedicated to helping you get answers—and lasting relief—with clarity and confidence.
What to Expect at Silver Pain Centre?
At Silver Pain Centre, we’ve made the process smooth, supportive, and focused on identifying the true source of your pain.
Complete Your Self-Referral: Submit your information using our secure online form. Our team will review it within 72 hours and contact you for a consultation. No referral is needed, and the visit is typically covered by OHIP.
Meet With a Specialist: During your virtual or in-person consultation, we’ll assess your pain pattern, review any previous imaging, and confirm if a diagnostic nerve block is the right next step.
Receive Treatment: If recommended, your nerve block will be scheduled and performed using fluoroscopic guidance (X-ray) to ensure safe and accurate placement near the targeted facet joint nerves.
Resume Daily Life: The procedure is quick, and most patients can return home the same day. You may feel some soreness at the injection site, but activity restrictions are minimal. Your response to the injection will help guide your ongoing treatment plan.
Is this treatment right for you or your patient?
Our Medical Director is here to help. If you have a question about whether this treatment is appropriate for yourself or someone in your care, submit it below and our team will review your inquiry.
Your Partner in Pain Management
At Silver Pain Centre, we understand the challenges of chronic pain. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including joint and back pain, chronic headaches, nerve pain, muscle injuries, post-surgical pain, sports injuries, and more.
Located in North Toronto, our modern 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers shorter wait times and free parking, making access to care easier. With a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, we create tailored treatment plans to deliver long-lasting relief when traditional methods have not succeeded.
Explore Silver Pain Centre Difference
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Relief—Start Your Self-Referral Today!
f chronic neck, back, or headache pain is affecting your daily life, a diagnostic nerve block may help pinpoint the source. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation—available virtually or in person.