Neck pain can interfere with even the simplest tasks—working at your desk, turning your head while driving, or getting a full night’s rest. When conservative care no longer provides relief, many patients start exploring more targeted solutions, such as nerve blocks. But how do you know if this is the right option for you?
At Grand Rapids Pain, we don’t just offer procedures; we offer clarity. Led by Keith Javery, DO & Girish Juneja, MD, our team takes a diagnostic-first approach to interventional pain management, using tools like nerve blocks to precisely treat the root of your pain. We specialize in complex, chronic conditions that haven’t responded to standard care and build custom treatment plans based on your individual anatomy, health goals, and comfort level.
Below, we walk through a simple checklist to help you decide if nerve block treatment might be a fit for your chronic neck pain.
When Should You Consider a Nerve Block?
Chronic neck pain often stems from irritated or compressed nerves in the cervical spine. Common causes include:
- Pinched nerves due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis
- Joint inflammation or degeneration
- Chronic muscle tension or spasms
- Facet joint arthritis
- Bone spurs
- Nerve damage from past surgery or trauma
When conditions like these lead to chronic neck pain or nerve pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications, nerve blocks may be considered. A nerve block targets the affected nerves in your cervical spine, reducing inflammation and interrupting the pain signals. This minimally invasive approach can bring meaningful relief to people living with pain that limits their daily activities.
Your Neck Pain Checklist: Is a Nerve Block Right for You?
If you answer “yes” to several of these questions, a nerve block may be worth exploring:
- Have you had neck pain for more than 3 months despite other treatments?
- Does your pain radiate to your shoulder, arm, or upper back?
- Do you experience burning, tingling, or sharp pain that suggests nerve involvement?
- Have you already tried physical therapy, medications, or rest without lasting relief?
- Have imaging studies (like an MRI) shown signs of nerve compression or inflammation?
- Are you looking for a non-surgical way to relieve pain and improve daily function?
Nerve Blocks vs. Other Chronic Neck Pain Solutions
Nerve blocks are one of several tools available for managing persistent neck pain, but they offer a unique advantage: precise, targeted relief with minimal invasiveness. Here’s how they compare to other common treatment options:
Nerve Blocks
Nerve blocks deliver targeted pain relief by interrupting signals from specific nerves in the cervical spine. They are fast-acting, minimally invasive, and often used both to confirm a diagnosis and to treat pain. However, they may need to be repeated periodically for long-term relief.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support your neck, improves posture, and restores mobility. It’s an important part of many care plans, but may not provide sufficient relief if nerve pain is the main issue.
Oral Medications
Medications such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants are non-invasive and widely accessible. While they can reduce symptoms, they may not provide long-term relief and can come with side effects, especially when used long-term.
Injections (e.g., Epidurals)
Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation around spinal nerves and may relieve pain. These injections are helpful for many patients, but they don’t always pinpoint or treat the exact source of nerve irritation.
Surgery
Surgery is sometimes necessary to correct structural issues in the spine, such as herniated discs or bone spurs. However, it’s typically considered a last resort due to its invasive nature, longer recovery, and associated risks.
At Grand Rapids Pain, we frequently use nerve blocks as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, regenerative medicine, or MIST (Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapeutics) for patients who need a broader approach to achieve lasting relief.
What to Ask Before Moving Forward
Before scheduling your nerve block, consider these questions:
- What specific nerve(s) are we targeting, and how do we know they’re causing my symptoms?
- What type of nerve block is recommended, and how is it performed?
- What are the potential nerve block side effects, and how common are they?
- How long can I expect relief to last, and what’s the plan if the block wears off?
- Are there risks of nerve block surgery, or is this truly non-surgical?
A board-certified interventional pain specialist like Dr. Javery & Dr. Juneja will walk you through all of this and tailor your plan to your exact anatomy, goals, and comfort level.
Why Choose Grand Rapids Pain for Neck Pain Treatment?
We understand that chronic neck pain is not only frustrating—it’s complex. That’s why our practice goes beyond conventional care. Dr. Javery & Dr. Juneja are experts in interventional pain management and MIST 2.0 techniques, which offer patients lasting relief with minimal systemic impact.
What makes our approach unique:
- We identify the exact source of your pain with diagnostic precision
- We use techniques that minimize risk and maximize results—without relying on opioids
- We customize every plan using a range of therapies, from nerve blocks to regenerative medicine
- We specialize in conditions that other clinics may find too complex or difficult to treat
From spinal pain to post-surgical nerve damage, CRPS, cancer-related pain, or chronic neck pain, we’ve seen it all—and we’re ready to help.
Get the Clarity and Relief You Deserve
If your chronic neck pain hasn’t improved with typical therapies, a nerve block may offer the relief you’ve been looking for. Grand Rapids Pain, led by Dr. Javery & Dr. Juneja, is here to help you navigate your options, treat the source of your pain, and find a better path forward.
Call us at (616) 727-0083 or schedule your consultation online to meet with our experienced pain specialists today. Your solution starts with a conversation.
