Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Injections for Targeted Nerve Pain Relief

If you're living with chronic pain, Commonwealth Pain & Spine's interventional pain specialists and dual-board certified physicians offer sympathetic nerve blocks, a diagnostic and treatment tool that targets nerve clusters called ganglions. By injecting anesthetics and corticosteroids into these clusters, our physicians can disrupt pain signals and provide relief.

Are Sympathetic Blocks Suitable for Your Condition?

Finding the right treatment for chronic pain can be overwhelming, but sympathetic blocks offer a targeted approach that can provide significant relief. Common conditions these nerve blocks can help include:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Shingles (Postherpetic Neuralgia)
• Phantom Limb Pain

Our dedicated team at Commonwealth Pain & Spine is here to guide you through every step, from diagnosing your condition to creating a personalized treatment plan that includes sympathetic nerve blocks.

The Role of Sympathetic Blocks in Pain Relief

Nerve pain can cause debilitating symptoms, making it difficult to perform daily tasks or enjoy life, but sympathetic blocks offer a minimally invasive solution. This approach can provide a myriad of benefits, including:

• Identifying the pain source for targeted treatment
• Pain relief exactly where needed
• Reduced inflammation and longer-term relief with the use of corticosteroids
• Better mobility, enabling participation in previously painful activities

With an improved quality of life experienced by many patients, our best-in-class pain specialists at Commonwealth Pain & Spine may recommend sympathetic nerve blocks for those with chronic pain not finding relief with other treatments.

How Sympathetic Blocks Are Performed

Getting treatment from Commonwealth Pain & Spine is simple. Start with a self-referral, where our team will connect with your PCP to get a referral and then reach out to you for your first appointment.

Here's what you can expect during the sympathetic nerve block process:

• Consultation: We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and other pain treatments you've tried. We may order imaging or other tests to accurately diagnose your condition and determine whether a sympathetic nerve block is suitable.
• Preparation: If a sympathetic nerve block is recommended, your procedure can be scheduled promptly. In the days leading up to your appointment, you'll receive detailed instructions, which may include fasting for about six hours before your procedure.
• Procedure Day: You may receive medication to help you relax, but you'll stay awake and alert throughout the procedure. Using advanced imaging, your physician will precisely target the affected ganglion.
• Diagnose: Because sympathetic blocks create immediate pain relief, these injections can be used to pinpoint the exact origin of pain signals. As your physician administers the anesthetic solution to various areas, you'll be asked to report any changes in your pain level.
• Relief: After the injection at your pain site, you'll feel instant relief, lasting weeks to months. Your physician will review your results and discuss future nerve block injections, additional therapies, or a combination for lasting relief.

With innovative treatments for various chronic pain conditions, Commonwealth Pain & Spine is dedicated to helping patients find long-lasting relief.