Are nerve blocks used for pediatric pain problems?
Sometimes nerve blocks can help diagnose the cause of a pain and sometimes they can relieve the pain. For some pain conditions, epidurals can allow the child to undergo physical therapy that they would not otherwise be able to tolerate. Nerve blocks generally are done less frequently in children than adults for three reasons: • Nerve blocks should never be the only approach to pain, even in adults. • Nerve blocks only help in selected types of pain and for specific purposes. • Most children require sedation or general anesthesia due to fear of needles and an inability to hold still (movement during some blocks could cause severe complications).
Sometimes nerve blocks can help diagnose the cause of a pain and sometimes they can relieve the pain. For some pain conditions, epidurals can allow the child to undergo physical therapy that they would not otherwise be able to tolerate. We use nerve blocks most often to help control pain after surgery. Nerve blocks to treat chronic pain generally are done less frequently in children than adults for three reasons: • Nerve blocks should never be the only approach to pain, even in adults. • Nerve blocks only help in selected types of pain and for specific purposes. • Most children require sedation or general anesthesia due to fear of needles and an inability to hold still (movement during some blocks could cause severe complications).
