Sympathetic Blocks

Sympathetic blocks are treatments available to patients who have not achieved successful results with pain medication or steroid injections for knees, the back or neck, another extremity, and other persistent pain conditions.

Sympathetic Block Treatment. Two locations in Layton and North Ogden, Utah.

An Effective Treatment

A SYMPATHETIC NERVE BLOCK INJECTION INVOLVES INJECTING A LOCAL NUMBING ANESTHETIC AND A CORTICOSTEROID INTO THE SPACE WHERE THE SYMPATHETIC NERVE ROOTS ARE LOCATED.

Often employed by the pain management team and Dr. Alex J. Nelson, MD, Sympathetic nerves begin in the spinal cord and spread throughout the body. These nerves work with the autonomic nervous system in the body to transmit signals to the brain related to such feelings as touch, pain, temperature, and pressure. Nerve blocks halt these signals allowing a return to normal function without pain.

Sympathetic nerve blocks are safe procedures for treating a variety of chronic pain issues affecting different areas of the body. The key is the proper targeting of the nerve that manages the area causing the pain.

TYPICAL BENEFITS OF SYMPATHETIC BLOCKS

Goal is to “reset” the spinal cord and brain so that you do not experience as much or any pain in the future
Easier participation in physical therapy
Less need for systemic opioids (narcotics) and less nausea as a result
Improves mobility
Reduces pain and swelling
Provides complete pain relief or provides diagnostic support to determine whether pain was originating from the sympathetic nervous system
Minimally Invasive

The Sympathetic Block Procedure

HOW SYMPATHETIC BLOCKS WORK

A sympathetic nerve block injection involves injecting a local numbing anesthetic (Lidocaine, Bupivacaine) and a corticosteroid into the space where the sympathetic nerve roots are located. The location of your pain usually determines where you’ll receive the nerve block. Your sympathetic nerves come together outside your spine area in thick networks of nerves called ganglions (or sympathetic chain). If you have pain in the upper part of your body, you may get pain relief from blocking the stellate ganglion or sympathetic chain in your neck area. If you have pain in the lower part of your body, a ganglion near the lower spine may be targeted with a lumbar sympathetic block.

A local skin anesthetic is injected first to numb the area and a second needle will be inserted near the ganglion or sympathetic chain under X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy). This procedure takes less than 15 minutes. Sometimes your physician will recommend intravenous sedation to make the procedure more comfortable for you. You will be monitored after the procedure to determine the effects the block has on your pain.

CONDITIONS TREATED WITH SYMPATHETIC BLOCKS

A sympathetic nerve block can be used to diagnose or treat pain involving the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Examples of conditions for which a sympathetic nerve block might be used include:

Headaches
Facial Pain
Neck Pain
Knee Pain
Neuropathy in the arms and/or legs
Excessive Sweating
Pain from spasms in the blood vessels
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
Sympathetic maintained pain
Complex regional pain syndrome
Herpes zoster (shingles) involving the legs
Postherpetic neuralgia
Abdominal pain

Join the thousands of people who've found pain relief in Utah.

Now with two pain clinics open serving Davis, Weber, Box Elder, and surrounding counties, Peak Health and Wellness is ideal for those who want a highly skilled provider to competently perform your sympathetic block treatment. Contact one of our two offices to schedule a detailed evaluation today – (801) 689-3389.

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