Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Pain Management
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Treatment Overview
A sympathetic nerve block is used to both diagnose damage and treat pain caused by the sympathetic nervous system, which runs from the spinal cord to various body parts including arms and legs. Pain that originates from the sympathetic nervous system is not easily treated by oral pain medications, so sympathetic blocks are an extremely effective and beneficial treatment option.
Sympathetic Nerve Block Techniques
The sympathetic nerves are responsible for essential bodily functions, including the regulation of blood vessels, heart rate, and perspiration, but they are not normally involved in transmitting pain. However, when damaged, they can lead to chronic pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome and sympathetically maintained pain. Sympathetic nerve blocks involve injecting medication along the spine to numb these nerves and interrupt pain signals to the brain.
Celiac Plexus Block
The celiac plexus is a bundle of nerves inside the abdomen that connect to organs like the pancreas, stomach, liver and parts of the bowels. The celiac plexus nerve block procedure is an injection of local anesthetic used to block the nerves that transmit pain signals from your abdomen to your brain. It’s most often performed to reduce abdominal pain caused by conditions like cancer, chronic pancreatitis, adhesions and abdominal sympathetic nerve dysfunction.
Ganglion of Impar Injection
The ganglion impar is a cluster of nerve cells in front of the joint between the sacrum (lowest part of the spine) and the coccyx (tailbone). Nerves from some parts of the lower pelvis and groin pass through this cluster and, when inflamed, can cause significant pain if left untreated. The ganglion of impar injection procedure is used to reduce the symptoms of chronic pelvic pain or rectal pain by blocking nerve impulses in those areas.
Hypogastric Plexus Nerve Block
The hypogastric plexus is a bundle of nerves near the bottom of the spinal cord. A hypogastric plexus nerve block uses an injection of numbing medication directly to this group of nerves that supply sensation (including pain sensations) and sympathetic function to the pelvic organs. Hypogastric plexus blocks are performed to treat pelvic pain in the colon, bladder, lower intestines, uterus, ovaries or prostate.
Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block
A lumbar sympathetic nerve block is a procedure used to relieve pain in the lower back, legs or feet by targeting the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar (lower back) region. During the procedure, a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the sympathetic nerves located along the spine. This blocks the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain and can help reduce inflammation, relieving conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and chronic pain following injury or surgery.
Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate ganglion blocks are used to diagnose or treat circulation problems or nerve injuries, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), shingles and phantom limb pain of the upper extremities. They can also help increase circulation and decrease swelling, pain and abnormal sweating in the arms.
Who Benefits from Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Sympathetic nerve blocks can benefit individuals suffering from a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD): Chronic pain usually affecting a limb after an injury.
- Pelvic Pain: Chronic pain originating from the pelvic region, often resistant to other treatments.
- Cancer-Related Pain: Pain associated with tumors or cancer treatments, particularly in advanced stages.
- Shingles (Postherpetic Neuralgia): Persistent nerve pain following a shingles infection.
- Phantom Limb Pain: Pain felt in a limb that has been amputated.
- Chronic Pain After Injury or Surgery: Persistent pain long after the healing process, especially in the lower body.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve pain in the arms or legs, particularly when other pain management methods are ineffective.
What to Expect
- Preparation: The procedure is performed at our same-day surgery center. To keep you comfortable, you may receive sedation or local anesthesia.
- Procedure: Your provider will use imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide a needle to the targeted sympathetic nerve.
- Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for a short period. You may experience mild soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most people can resume normal activities the following day.
Insurance & Billing
Your eligibility for any procedure depends on the benefits outlined by your insurance provider, and our team at Nura will assist you with the authorization process.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
