Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Background

  • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks are a tool used to diagnose and treat pain stemming from your sympathetic nervous system.

  • Sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system which controls our “fight or flight” response.

  • This procedure may help with a condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome involving the lower extremities.

Procedure

  • Injections of a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroids are placed near a ganglion (cluster of nerves) in the low back to interrupt the transmission of pain signals.

  • Procedure creates immediate pain relief, which can last from weeks to months.

  • Procedure can be diagnostic and therapeutic.