Nerve Blocks and Direct Primary Care (DPC): Pain Relief, Personalized
You're not the only one who is thinking about getting a nerve block if you have chronic pain or have had surgery. Every year, more than 1 million nerve blocks are done. But broken care can make getting better take longer. Direct Primary Care (DPC) changes this journey by giving you coordinated, caring support so you can get your comfort back right away.
What Nerve Blocks Are and How They Help with Pain
Nerve blocks put anesthetic near certain nerves to stop pain signals from getting through. Used for surgeries (like knee replacements) or long-term illnesses (like sciatica). Catheters are used in continuous blocks (CPNBs) to give long-term relief.
Important information for patients:
- Uses: Control pain after surgery, chronic back pain, migraines, or CRPS.
- Safety: There is a low chance of infection (1–2%) or nerve damage (0.1%).
- Costs: Traditional clinics charge between 500 USD and 2,000 USD, but DPC cuts costs by 20% to 30%.
Risks of putting off care:
- Long-term use of opioids that leads to addiction.
- Pain that is not under control and affects mobility or mental health.
- Financial stress from going to the ER too many times.
What DPC Changes Taking Care of Nerve Blocks
Direct Primary Care (DPC) works on a membership basis, with fees ranging from 100 USD to 250 USD per month. Members have unlimited access to a provider who coordinates every step, from the injection to the recovery.
1. Quick assessment and coordination of procedures
- Mapping pain: Find the nerves you want to target by doing a physical exam or an ultrasound.
- Working together with an anesthesiologist: Get blocks for acute pain that are available the same week.
- Getting ready for the procedure: Change the blood thinners or deal with the anxiety.
2. Clear Costs and All-Around Help
- Prices that include everything: There are no extra fees for imaging, catheters, or follow-ups.
- Lower fees: DPC members pay between 400 and 1,600 USD, while non-DPC members pay more than 2,000 USD.
- To cut down on narcotics, use multimodal plans that include NSAIDs and gabapentin.
3. Long-Term Relief and Compassionate Recovery
- Access 24/7: Tell your doctor about any rebound pain or numbness.
- Plans for rehab that are unique to you: Work with PTs to do mobility exercises after a block.
- Chronic pain management: Plan repeat blocks or look into neuromodulation.
Success Stories in Real Life
- Case 1: Sarah, 65, after having her knee replaced. Sarah's DPC clinic set up a femoral nerve block. She didn't take opioids and was able to walk without pain in a few days, which saved her 1,000 USD on medicine.
- Case 2: Tom, 50, has chronic sciatica. Tom's DPC provider gave him lumbar epidural blocks, which let him go back to work.
Questions and Answers: Nerve Blocks in DPC
- Q: How long does the relief last?
- A: Single shot: hours to days; CPNB: up to a week. DPC plans for strategies to taper off.
- Q: Can blocks help with migraines?
- A: Yes. Occipital nerve blocks lower how often and how bad they are.
- Q: Do you include follow-ups?
- A: Yes. Change your plans based on your answer at no extra cost.
Why DPC Is Great at Managing Pain
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) stresses personalized care. DPC gets things done by:
- Cutting down on wait times: 90% of patients get blocks in less than a week, compared to 4 weeks or more in the past.
- 80% of DPC patients stay away from narcotics, compared to 50% of people in the U.S.
- Cutting costs: By getting care in a bundle, members save between 600 USD and 1,500 USD.
Final Thoughts
Nerve blocks aren't just shots; they're the key to a life without pain. With DPC, you get a partner who makes sure you get the help you need quickly, pays attention to your recovery, and gives you tips on how to stay comfortable. No red tape, no surprise bills—just clear communication and care with every block.
