A peripheral nerve block is a shot of numbing medicine near a specific nerve or group of nerves. It can be used to numb a part of the body (often an arm or a leg) for a procedure or surgery. It can also help with pain afterward.

How it's done

The doctor may use ultrasound or another way to help guide the shot for the nerve block.

After finding the right spot, the doctor numbs the skin. Then they put the nerve block near the nerves. If you are awake, you may feel some pressure. But you should not feel pain.

The nerve block is often used with general anesthesia or with medicine that makes you feel relaxed or sleepy. Or the nerve block may be all that's needed. In that case, you can stay awake without feeling pain.

Risks

Problems after a nerve block are rare. There is a small risk of nerve damage, infection, or bleeding where the numbing medicine was given.