26 Jan Sympathetic Blocks: Stop Pain at the Source
Struggling with chronic pain? Want to avoid the risks associated with surgery or medication? Integrated Pain Consultants specializes in natural alternative therapies for pain management, like sympathetic blocks. The popular alternative most commonly treats lumbar spine pain, and can be an effective means to treat long-term, chronic pain. It works by targeting the sympathetic nervous system, which branches out from the spine to help with involuntary bodily functions such as sweating and blood flow.
How Sympathetic Blocks Work
Any time the nerve(s) in the sympathetic nervous system is compromised, sympathetic blocks might be useful. This might include excessive sweating, Raynaud’s syndrome, some chronic stomach pains, and spasms in blood vessels. The location of your pain dictates where the nerve block will be placed. The sympathetic nervous system is vast and expansive, gathering together in thick bundles or “ganglions.” Where the patient feels the pain isn’t always where they need sympathetic nerve blocks. For example, someone who has pain in the upper back might actually need a block in the neck.
If you’re a good candidate for sympathetic blocks, the procedure is relatively fast. An IV is inserted to monitor vital signs, and some patients are given relaxants for the procedure. A local, topical anesthetic numbs the block site, and a fluoroscopy (special x-ray technique) is used to help the pain specialist target the correct ganglion. An anesthetic numbs the ganglion.
Patients don’t stay overnight, and the next day normal activities can be resumed. You might feel warm, weak, or sore temporarily at the injection site. Sympathetic blocks might be used in conjunction with physical therapy or even pain medication depending on your pain and goals. Sympathetic blocks may weaken over time, but many patients claim weeks or months of relief.
Contact Integrated Pain Consultants For A Pain Management Evaluation
Patients looking for drug alternatives and a safe way to treat their pain may benefit greatly from blocking their sympathetic nerves. If you’d like to find out more, call Integrated Pain Consultants at 480-626-2552 and schedule a consultation. With so many alternative options for pain relief and management, it’s easy to avoid the common risks associated with more traditional treatments. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.