Nerve blocks are a type of regional anesthesia used to provide pain relief during surgery or other medical procedures. In a nerve block, a local anesthetic is injected near a specific nerve or group of nerves to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This can provide targeted pain relief without the need for general anesthesia and can help reduce the amount of opioid pain medication needed after surgery. Nerve blocks can be used for a variety of procedures, including dental work, joint replacements, and childbirth. They are considered safe and effective when performed by trained medical professionals.