Nerve Blocks for Cancer Pain: What Works and What to Expect

When cancer spreads or presses on nerves, the pain can be sharp, burning, or constant—hard to control with pills alone. That’s where nerve blocks, a targeted procedure that interrupts pain signals by numbing specific nerves. Also known as neurolytic blocks, they’re used when opioids don’t cut it or cause too many side effects. Unlike regular painkillers that flood your whole body, nerve blocks go straight to the source. They’re not a cure, but they can give you back hours, days, or even weeks of comfort when you need it most.

These blocks aren’t one-size-fits-all. For pancreatic cancer, a celiac plexus block, a procedure that targets nerves around the pancreas to ease upper abdominal pain is common. For pelvic cancers, a hypogastric plexus block, a nerve interruption near the lower spine that helps with pelvic and lower back pain might be used. Some patients get blocks in the spine (epidural), others in the neck or limbs, depending on where the cancer is causing trouble. The goal? Reduce pain enough so you can sleep, eat, or sit with family without dread.

Doctors use imaging—like ultrasound or CT—to guide the needle precisely. The medicine can be a local anesthetic for short relief, or a stronger agent like alcohol or phenol to destroy the nerve temporarily. Results vary: some feel better within minutes, others wait a day or two. Side effects are usually mild—temporary numbness, dizziness, or soreness at the injection site. Rarely, there’s a risk of infection or nerve damage, but trained specialists minimize this.

What’s often overlooked is that nerve blocks aren’t just for late-stage cancer. They’re also used early, alongside chemo or radiation, to keep pain from worsening. And they work best when part of a bigger plan—paired with physical therapy, counseling, or even gentle movement. People who use them often say it’s not about eliminating pain completely, but about getting control back. You stop dreading the next wave of pain because you know there’s a tool that can quiet it.

The posts below cover real stories and science behind pain relief for cancer patients. You’ll find how nerve blocks fit into broader cancer pain management, what alternatives exist when blocks aren’t an option, and how palliative care teams make these treatments safer and more effective. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or just trying to understand, these articles give you the facts without fluff.