Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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This information is for people who have been added to the waiting list for a pain management procedure.
It explains what happens next, what to expect on the day of your procedure, what to do when you go home, and how to contact us if you need help.
Please remember: this leaflet gives general information. Your healthcare team will give you advice that is right for you and your procedure.
Why have I been added to the waiting list?
Your pain specialist has discussed a pain management procedure with you. This may be an injection or another treatment to help reduce pain, improve comfort, or support you to move and function better. The procedure will not cure the pain, but it may help reduce the impact of pain on your life.
What happens while I am waiting?
- You will be placed on the hospital day surgery waiting list.
- Our booking team will contact you when a suitable date is available.
- Please tell us if your contact details change.
- PLEASE TELL US BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE if you are taking weight loss medicines/injections (even if bought privately), blood-thinning medicines, have an infection, are taking antibiotics, are diabetic, are pregnant, or if your health changes. We need to know about these things to ensure your procedure can go ahead safely, and have a chance to tell you in advance if you need to stop taking something or change how you take it.
- If you no longer want the procedure, or your pain has improved, please let us know.
Before your procedure
You may be given instructions about eating and drinking before your procedure, especially if sedation is planned. Please follow the instructions in your appointment letter. If you are unsure, contact the Chronic Pain Management team for advice on 0300 6134201 select option 4 then option 4 again.
Coming in for a day case procedure
Please bring your appointment letter, a list of your medicines, any inhalers or emergency medicines you use, glasses or hearing aids if needed, and something to read while you wait.
Most pain procedures are done as day case procedures. This means you come into hospital, have your procedure, recover for a short time, and go home the same day.
When you arrive, the team will check your details, ask some safety questions, and make sure you are well enough for the procedure. The clinician will explain the procedure again and ask you to sign a consent form if this has not already been done.
What does sedation mean?
Sedation means giving you medicine to help you feel calm and relaxed. It is not the same as a general anaesthetic. You may feel sleepy, but you are usually not fully asleep. It is normal to hear members of the team talking to you and to each other. Many people remember parts of the procedure.
If sedation is planned, the medicine is usually given through a small plastic tube called a cannula, placed into a vein in your hand or arm. You will be carefully monitored during and after the procedure.
Important: getting home safely after sedation
- You must arrange for a responsible adult to collect you and take you home.
- You must not drive yourself home after sedation.
- If possible, please arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours after sedation.
- For 24 hours after sedation, do not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery, sign important legal documents, or look after children or vulnerable adults without help.
What happens during the procedure?
You will be taken to the procedure room. The team will check your identity and confirm the area being treated. They will mark your skin with a pen.
The area to be treated may be cleaned with antiseptic solution which might feel cold. If you are awake, local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area. X-ray or ultrasound guidance may be used to help place the injection or treatment accurately.
You may feel pressure, pushing, or brief discomfort. Please tell the team if you are uncomfortable or worried at any time.
After the procedure, before you go home
You will rest in a recovery area. Nurses will check that you are comfortable and safe to go home. You may feel sleepy, light-headed, or a little sore around the procedure area. This usually settles.
Before you leave, we will explain any aftercare advice and tell you what follow-up, if any, is planned.
When you are at home
- Take it easy for the rest of the day.
- You can usually return to normal light activities the next day, unless you have been told otherwise.
- You may have some soreness or bruising where the injection was given.
- Most pain injections contain a steroid. For a few days afterwards you may notice flushing of the face, changes to your periods, a change in your mood, or a small amount of weight gain. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar can rise for several days after the injection. Please check it more often than usual during this time
- Your usual pain may feel better, worse, or unchanged at first. Some treatments take days or weeks to work.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless the team has told you to stop or change them.
When to get urgent medical help
Please seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe or worsening pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, a high temperature, increasing redness or swelling at the injection site, shortness of breath, chest pain, or if you feel very unwell.
If you think it is an emergency, call 999. If it is urgent but not life-threatening, use NHS 111 or contact your GP.
How to contact the Chronic Pain team
The chronic pain management call centre team is available for our patients to call on 0300 6134201 select option 4 then option 4 again.
This is a routine service, not a crisis line. If you have an urgent medical issue, you should seek advice from your GP, NHS 111 or the nearest hospital Accident and Emergency Department.
The call centre team can help with all aspects of pain clinic administration. They can also book you into a telephone clinic appointment with a nurse if you would like to speak to one about your pain and its treatment.
The Faculty of Pain Medicine has patient information leaflets about pain procedures. These leaflets are written for patients and may help you understand your treatment options. They can be found by going to the website www.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Pain management service.
About this information
Service:
Pain management
Reference:
B/030
Approval date:
5 October 2026
Review date:
1 October 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.