A nerve block is a medical procedure used to relieve pain by injecting a local anesthetic near specific nerves. This technique interrupts pain signals from reaching the brain, providing targeted pain relief for various conditions, including surgeries or chronic pain. Nerve blocks can be performed on different parts of the body, such as the spine, arms, or legs. They are often used in conjunction with other pain management strategies and can help reduce the need for opioid medications. The effects can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of block and the individual patient.