I got a nerve block two weeks ago. This must be done by an experienced anesthesist. The anesthesist looks via ultrasound where your nerve exits your abdomen and then injects lidocain exaclty at this point. Only if the doctors hits the exact place a nerve block can be effective. I got several nerve blocks by unexperienced doctors which didn't give me any relieve.
The nerve block from the anesthesist was great. I had no pain for about 24 hours. I've heard that if you repeat the nerve block 3-5 times your pain can disappear for more month or forever. But its difficult to find a doctor who is willing to do the block more than one time...