Therapeutic blocks in Almaty: 13 doctors

Top stories

• What therapeutic blocks are: injection of a medication into the area of pain to reduce it and restore mobility.
• When they are prescribed: for persistent pain in the back, joints, neck and along the nerve, when other treatments do not help enough.
• What they will not show: they do not replace examination and do not identify the cause of pain in tumour, fracture or infection.
• How it is carried out: a conversation and examination, skin preparation, a thin puncture, injection of the solution, a short rest and the doctor's explanations.
• How to book: the form on the service page, choosing a date and time, name and telephone number, then confirmation from the administrator.

What are therapeutic blocks

A therapeutic blockade is a way to temporarily interrupt the flow of pain signals from a specific area of the body to the nervous system. This section explains what therapeutic blockades are, why a neurologist prescribes them, and what tasks they help to solve.

What the service gives the doctor and the patient

A therapeutic blockade gives the doctor the opportunity to pinpoint which structure is the source of the pain, and gives the patient noticeable relief in the problem area. If the pain goes away after the effect on a specific nerve or joint, this confirms that the cause lies precisely there, and not in the surrounding tissues. The neurologist obtains information that is difficult to obtain during a routine examination and questioning, since complaints in different conditions sound similar. At the same time, the patient stops feeling constant tension and can move, sleep and work normally without constantly being mindful of discomfort. The doctor compares the area to which the effect was directed with the nature of the response and refines the further approach to observation. Sometimes the relief lasts a long time, sometimes it gradually returns, and this very duration also becomes a clue for the specialist. The patient should write down in advance what he feels after the procedure, so that at the appointment he can give the doctor an accurate picture.

When the service is prescribed

• Persistent back pain: when it lasts a long time and does not respond to usual measures, a blockade helps to understand its source and ease the condition.
• Pain along the course of a nerve: burning or pulling sensations in an arm or leg prompt the neurologist to check whether a specific nerve trunk is irritated.
• Limited movement: if an arm or leg does not move through its full range because of pain, the procedure helps to assess how much the limitation is related specifically to it.
• Muscle tension: constant muscle spasm in one area interferes with work and sleep, and its connection to a nerve is conveniently clarified in this way.
• Pain after an injury: when the unpleasant sensations persist longer than expected, the doctor checks whether an irritated nerve is maintaining them.
• Clarifying the cause: when the picture is unclear, a blockade serves as a diagnostic step that helps the neurologist choose the further direction of examination.

What this service will not show

A therapeutic blockade does not replace a full examination and does not answer questions about the state of the internal organs, metabolism or blood vessels. It does not identify the cause of pain if it is related to a tumour, fracture, infection or disease of the internal organs, since it acts only on the nerve pathways. If a person has a blood clotting disorder or inflammation at the site of the intended effect, the procedure is not performed, and the neurologist looks for another way to help. Scans, tests and examination remain the basis for making a diagnosis, and the blockade only complements this picture and clarifies individual details. For persistent complaints not related to the nerves and joints, the doctor refers the patient to other specialists, rather than repeating the procedure again and again. It is important for the patient to honestly tell the neurologist about all the medications he takes and the illnesses he has had, so that the specialist correctly assesses the benefits and risks. If relief does not occur, this is also a valuable signal, and it prompts the doctor in which direction to look further.

How does the procedure go?

A therapeutic blockade is a medical procedure in which a medication is injected precisely into the area of pain. Below is a description of how the procedure goes: from the first conversation with the doctor to a short rest after the injection.

Step-by-step procedure

A therapeutic blockade begins with a conversation: the doctor clarifies where and when the pain arose and how it changes with movement. Then they examine the area concerned, palpate it and, if necessary, compare their findings with the results of scans. The patient is laid down or seated so that the area of intervention is exposed and still. The skin at the site of the future puncture is treated with a solution, after which the doctor makes a fine puncture and slowly advances the needle towards the target point. When the needle reaches the target, a small volume of solution is injected, and the doctor monitors the person's reaction. Once finished, the needle is withdrawn, a sterile dressing is applied to the puncture site and the patient is asked to lie down. Immediately afterwards, the doctor briefly explains how to behave going forward and when to come for a follow-up.

How long each stage takes

What the patient feels

Sensations during a therapeutic blockade most often amount to a brief stinging at the moment the skin is punctured. Afterwards the person feels pressure or a slight fullness deep in the tissues as the solution reaches the target. Some experience warmth in the treated area, others a fleeting numbness that gradually passes. Discomfort usually subsides within the first few minutes, and only a small lump remains at the puncture site. If sharp pain or dizziness occurs during the injection, this should be reported to the doctor at once, without enduring it or waiting for it to end. After the procedure it is useful to lie quietly, not getting up abruptly, and to spare the loaded area on the first day. Warning signs should include increasing weakness in an arm or leg, severe numbness and a high temperature — with these it is worth contacting the doctor.

Preparation for the procedure

Preparation for a therapeutic blockade begins at home and takes little time. Whether the procedure goes ahead on the appointed day depends on how the person spends the day before the visit.

What to do the day before

Food and drink on the eve of the visit remain as usual, unless the doctor has said otherwise. A heavy late-evening meal and alcohol are best avoided: they change how a person feels and can blur the picture at the appointment. The skin in the area of the planned procedure should be examined in advance, and any changes shown to the doctor. Scratches, a rash, redness or traces of a recent bite are a reason to report this before the manipulations begin. Some of the medicines a person takes regularly affect blood clotting. All of one's remedies, including those bought without a prescription, must be honestly reported to the doctor. On the day of the visit, one should not get behind the wheel: after the manipulation, reactions are reduced for a time. It is better to arrange for someone to meet or accompany one home.

What to bring with you

• Identity document: the document is needed to register the appointment; without it the visit may not begin.
• Discharge summaries and reports: past examinations and test results show the doctor the whole picture, not just today's complaint.
• Images and their descriptions: films, discs and the texts of reports help match the complaint with what is visible on the images.
• List of remedies taken: a list of the names a person takes regularly saves guesswork and unnecessary questions at the appointment.
• Comfortable clothing: a loose item that is easy to take off and put on saves time and energy after the manipulation.
• A companion: a close person nearby will be useful if help is needed to get home after the visit.

What not to do

• Hide one's illnesses: the doctor must know in advance about diabetes, heart problems and high blood pressure, otherwise the decision about the procedure may change.
• Come on an empty stomach for no reason: a hungry person tolerates the visit worse, and weakness is easily confused with a reaction to the manipulation.
• Stop one's remedies on one's own: the decision to stop is made only by the doctor; an independent step can do harm.
• Apply creams and ointments to the skin: cosmetics and greasy products interfere with treating the area and assessing its condition.
• Plan things after the visit: travel, sport and long meetings right after the procedure are unnecessary; a quiet day is more sensible.

Who needs it and how often is it done?

Therapeutic blocks in Almaty are most often prescribed for persistent pain in the back, joints and muscles, when ordinary painkillers do not help enough. In this section we will look at which groups of patients they are offered to and how often they are repeated.

Who is most often prescribed them

Therapeutic blocks are most often prescribed to patients with pronounced pain in the spine that does not ease with ordinary painkillers. This group includes people with osteochondrosis, protrusions and disc hernias, in whom the pain radiates into the arm or leg. The second large group consists of patients with arthrosis of the large joints, when movement is limited and walking causes noticeable discomfort. The third group is people with inflammation of tendons and ligaments, for example with epicondylitis or tendinitis, where the pain persists for weeks. A separate group is patients after injuries and operations who have persistent pain syndrome in the area of the intervention. The indications for the procedure are determined by the doctor after an examination and review of the scans, and not on the basis of a description of the sensations alone. If the pain interferes with sleep, work and movement, it is worth discussing with the doctor whether this method is suitable in your case.

When it is done and when it is postponed

How often they are repeated

The frequency of repeating therapeutic blocks depends on the cause of the pain, the area of injection and how long the effect lasts after the first procedure. In acute pain syndrome, the doctor may suggest repeating the intervention after a few days if the pain returns. In chronic conditions, for example arthrosis or persistent radiculitis, the intervals between procedures are usually longer and are measured in weeks. The decision on the next injection is made only by the doctor, based on the examination and your sensations, and not on a pre-arranged schedule. Frequent repetition without a pause gives no advantages and increases the load on the tissues at the puncture site. If after the procedure the pain has eased for a long time, the need for a repeat may not arise at all. Keep a diary of your sensations: this will help the doctor determine more precisely when and whether it is necessary to return to the method.

Therapeutic blocks in Almaty: clinics and doctors

This section brings together everything you need to know about where therapeutic blocks are performed in Almaty and how to choose a suitable clinic. It also describes what information about clinics and doctors is available on the portal and how to use it when making a choice.

How many clinics offer the service

On the portal, this service includes information about fifteen clinics in Almaty where therapeutic blocks are performed, and about thirteen doctors who see patients in this area. Among them are both multidisciplinary medical centres and clinics with a focus on neurology, orthopaedics and pain management. The listings contain the address, working hours and a list of the areas in which a particular specialist sees patients. Some clinics accept both adults and children, so when choosing it is worth checking in advance from what age they are prepared to work with a patient. Doctors differ by profile: blocks are performed by neurologists, orthopaedic traumatologists and pain management specialists. This variety allows you to compare several options and find a clinic near your home or with a convenient appointment schedule. Before your visit, it is useful to open the listing of the chosen clinic and check whether the doctor you need is seeing patients in the coming days.

What to look at when choosing a clinic

• Specialist's profile: check whether a doctor in the required area sees patients, since this determines who you will be referred to for a consultation.
• Equipment of the room: the availability of equipment for monitoring during the procedure shows how thoroughly the clinic approaches safety.
• Appointment schedule: check the doctor's days and hours of work so as not to waste a trip and to get an appointment without unnecessary waiting.
• Location and transport: proximity to home or a convenient route matters if the procedure is prescribed repeatedly and you will have to come more than once.
• Patient reviews: read the descriptions of visits in full, paying attention to how the appointment is organised and how attentively the person is listened to.
• Booking procedure: check in advance whether an appointment is required and what documents to take with you to your first visit to the doctor.

What is shown in the clinic listing

The clinic listing on the portal contains the basic information that helps you decide on a visit and prepare for the appointment in advance. It states the exact address, contact details and working hours, as well as a list of the areas in which the clinic sees patients. A separate list of doctors is given, indicating their speciality, so that you can immediately understand who deals with the area you need. The listing notes whether the clinic accepts adults and children, and whether there are age restrictions for certain procedures. It also provides information on how to book an appointment and what documents to take with you. By comparing several listings in a row, it is convenient to shortlist suitable options by location, schedule and specialist's profile. Before calling, it is worth writing down the names of two or three clinics and checking their current appointment schedule with them.

How to book an appointment?

You can book therapeutic blocks in Almaty through the form on the service page by choosing a convenient date and time. After submitting the request, all that remains is to wait for confirmation and come to the clinic with your documents.

How to submit a request

A request for therapeutic blocks in Almaty is made directly on the service page, without registration or a personal account. In the calendar you mark a suitable day and hour from the available options, guided by your schedule and the journey to the clinic. Below, in the form, you enter your name and phone number — that is enough for the administrator to contact you. Fill in the phone field carefully, because it is via this number that confirmation and clarifications about the visit will come. If your plans have changed, choose another available time straight away so as not to wait for re-approval. Booking an appointment in Almaty takes a couple of minutes, and all this time you can see which slots are still open. Save the confirmation message: it will contain the date, time and address, and it will help them find you faster in the appointment log.

What happens after the request

What you will need for the booking

• Name: this is how the administrator will address you and find the request in the log, so write it without abbreviations or mistakes.
• Phone: the booking confirmation will be sent to this number, so check every digit before submitting the form.
• Convenient time: choose a day and hour with time to spare for the journey, so as not to reschedule the visit at the last moment.
• Documents: take your identity card, and if you have them, extracts and scans, as they will help the doctor during the appointment.
• Confirmation: save the message with the date, time and address so that you can quickly find the right room in the clinic.

What is worth remembering

Therapeutic blocks in Almaty remain a method prescribed by a doctor after an examination and discussion with the patient. The discussion about them should be concluded with a few points that will help make a balanced decision.

Main conclusions

Therapeutic blocks in Almaty are a procedure performed by a doctor according to indications, not at the patient's request. The decision about it is made after an examination, when the specialist sees the full picture and understands exactly where help is needed. If the decision is postponed for months, the pain manages to change habits: the person moves less, sleeps worse, avoids usual exertion. The opposite mistake also occurs: an attempt to resolve the issue independently, without an examination and explanation of the cause of the pain. At the appointment, the doctor explains what exactly is happening and why this path was chosen. It is useful for the patient to write down their questions in advance and honestly talk about past experience with similar procedures. A calm conversation with the doctor and understanding of one's own sensations are more important than any outside advice.