Managing Arm & Hand Pain: Benefits of Nerve Blocks and Cervical Facet Neurotomies

Arm and hand pain can be disruptive to everyday life—affecting everything from typing on a keyboard and cooking meals to driving a car or simply holding a cup. For many people, this pain originates not in the limbs themselves, but in the neck or spine. Two interventional procedures—nerve blocks and cervical facet neurotomies—can offer powerful relief by targeting the underlying cause of nerve-related arm and hand pain.

Understanding the Source of Arm & Hand Pain

Pain in the arms and hands can stem from a variety of issues including:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Arthritis
• Cervical facet joint dysfunction

While localized conditions affect the limbs directly, many cases of radiating pain, numbness, or tingling can be traced back to the cervical spine.

Cervical Spine and Nerve Involvement

The cervical spine houses nerves that branch into the shoulders, arms, and hands. If these nerves are compressed or irritated—due to arthritis, herniated discs, or degeneration—it can result in symptoms like:

• Radiating pain
• Tingling or numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of coordination

When conservative treatments are ineffective, interventional techniques like nerve blocks and facet neurotomies may be recommended.

Nerve Blocks for Arm & Hand Pain

What Is a Nerve Block?

A nerve block is a targeted injection of a local anesthetic—sometimes combined with a steroid—designed to interrupt pain signals traveling through specific nerves.

How It Works

For arm and hand pain related to the cervical spine, a cervical nerve root block may be performed. This involves:

• Imaging guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy)
• Injection of medication near the affected nerve
• Temporary numbing of pain signals

Benefits of Nerve Blocks

• Immediate relief (often diagnostic)
• Minimally invasive
• Reduces inflammation
• Facilitates rehab efforts

Cervical Facet Neurotomy: Long-Term Relief

What Is a Cervical Facet Neurotomy?

Also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), this procedure uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain-transmitting nerves near cervical facet joints. These joints can refer pain into the upper extremities when arthritic or degenerated.

How the Procedure Works

• A probe is guided to the target nerve
• Electrical stimulation confirms position
• Radiofrequency heat disables the nerve

Benefits

• Pain relief lasting 6–18+ months
• Reduces medication dependency
• Improves mobility
• Outpatient, no general anesthesia required

Who Is a Candidate?

Candidates may include those with:

• Chronic neck pain radiating to arms
• Poor response to conservative care
• Temporary relief from diagnostic nerve blocks
• Imaging showing cervical facet or nerve root pathology

What to Expect: Recovery and Results

After a Nerve Block

• Relief may be immediate or take a few days
• Possible temporary arm weakness
• Most resume activity within 24 hours

After a Neurotomy

• Soreness for a few days
• Pain relief within 2–3 weeks
• Results may last a year or more

Combining Therapies for Better Outcomes

To maximize relief and function, combine these procedures with:

• Physical therapy
• Postural corrections
• Ergonomic adjustments
• Anti-inflammatory diet

Final Thoughts

If you’re living with persistent arm or hand pain—especially when it radiates from the neck—interventional procedures like nerve blocks and cervical facet neurotomies could offer the relief you’ve been looking for. Consult a pain management specialist to explore your personalized options for healing and recovery.