SYMPATHETIC NERVE BLOCKS
Sympathetic nerve blocks are a type of pain management procedure that involves injecting medication into the sympathetic nerves to block pain signals. The sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating.
Sympathetic nerve blocks can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), sympathetically mediated pain, and neuropathic pain.
The benefits of sympathetic nerve blocks include:
- Reduced pain: Sympathetic nerve blocks can provide significant pain relief for patients with sympathetically mediated pain conditions, such as CRPS.
- Improved function: By reducing pain and inflammation, sympathetic nerve blocks can improve patients' ability to perform daily activities.
- Customizable treatment: Sympathetic nerve blocks can be tailored to each patient's specific needs, including the location of the injection and the type and amount of medication used
- Minimally invasive: Sympathetic nerve blocks are minimally invasive procedures that cause less pain and scarring than traditional open surgeries.
The technique for performing a sympathetic nerve block can vary depending on the location of the affected nerves. For example, a stellate ganglion block involves injecting medication into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves located in the neck. A lumbar sympathetic block involves injecting medication into the sympathetic nerves in the lower back.
To perform a sympathetic nerve block, the patient is typically given a local anesthetic to numb the skin and underlying tissue. Using image guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the doctor then inserts a needle into the affected nerves and injects medication to block pain signals.
Candidates for sympathetic nerve blocks include patients with CRPS, sympathetically mediated pain, and neuropathic pain. The procedure may also be used to treat other conditions such as cancer pain or angina. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor to determine whether it is the right treatment option for their individual needs.
An article published in Pain and Therapy in 2017 reviewed the use of sympathetic nerve blocks for the treatment of CRPS, finding that the procedure was effective in reducing pain and improving function in many patients. Another study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine in 2019 found that sympathetic nerve blocks were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. These studies and others provide evidence to support the use of sympathetic nerve blocks as a safe and effective treatment option for many patients with pain conditions.
Another study published in Pain Medicine in 2016 found that sympathetic nerve blocks were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with sympathetically mediated pain, such as CRPS or post-herpetic neuralgia. The study noted that sympathetic nerve blocks may be a viable alternative to surgery or medication for these conditions.
Sympathetic nerve blocks may be a good treatment option for patients who have not responded to other pain management treatments, such as medication or physical therapy. The procedure may also be used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, which may include other treatments such as counseling or surgery.
In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, sympathetic nerve blocks have several other advantages. For example, the procedure is minimally invasive and does not require general anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day. The medication used in the injection is usually a local anesthetic, which means there is a lower risk of systemic side effects compared to other pain medications.
It is important to note that while sympathetic nerve blocks can provide effective pain relief, the benefits may be temporary. Patients may require multiple injections over time to achieve lasting pain relief. In some cases, the procedure may need to be repeated every few months to maintain pain relief.
In conclusion, sympathetic nerve blocks are a safe and effective treatment option for many patients with pain conditions such as CRPS, sympathetically mediated pain, or neuropathic pain. The procedure is minimally invasive, customizable, and can provide significant pain relief and improved function for many patients.
Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with their doctor to determine whether it is the right treatment option for their individual needs. Several studies have supported the use of sympathetic nerve blocks, including the ones mentioned earlier, and provide evidence for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.