A nerve block procedure, also known as a neural blockade, is an injection that targets a particular nerve or group of nerves. The injection reduces inflammation and interrupts the pain signals sent from those nerves to your brain when they are irritated or not functioning as they should. Nerve block procedures are often used for any of the following purposes: • Anesthesia during minor procedures • Determining the source of pain • Predicting how pain will respond to long-term treatments • Short-term pain relief after surgeries • Treating chronic pain conditions Several different medicines can be used in a nerve block injection, including local anesthetics and corticosteroids. A nerve block injection can be administered to the arms, back, buttocks, face, legs, or neck. Nerve block injection procedures are often performed using imaging guidance to ensure the medical provider inserts the needle in the most accurate position for maximum benefit to the patient. Such imaging guidance could involve fluoroscopy with X-ray technology, ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT).