Sympathetic Nerve Block
Sympathetic nerve blocks are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, vascular pain, and other conditions that are not well managed by conventional therapies. These minimally invasive injections can help restore normal nerve function, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected areas.
What Is the Sympathetic Nervous System?
The sympathetic nervous system is a branch of the autonomic nervous system and plays a key role in the body’s “fight or flight” response. It’s responsible for controlling things like skin temperature, blood pressure regulation, and sweating. When this system malfunctions—either from trauma, surgery, or unknown causes—it can cause abnormal pain signaling, even in the absence of ongoing injury.
In many chronic pain conditions, especially those affecting the limbs, the sympathetic nerves become a significant contributor to pain, and interrupting their signals can provide profound relief.
Conditions Treated with Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
Sympathetic nerve blocks are commonly used to diagnose and treat pain associated with:
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS / RSD) – Chronic pain usually following an injury, surgery, or trauma
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy – A subtype of CRPS
- Peripheral neuropathy – Especially when associated with burning or temperature-sensitive pain
- Herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia – Nerve pain following viral outbreaks
- Vascular insufficiency – Pain due to poor circulation
- Abdominal or pelvic pain – Often from cancer or chronic visceral pain
- Hyperhidrosis – Excessive sweating caused by overactive sympathetic nerves
For additional detail on these conditions, visit our Conditions Treated section.
How the Procedure Works
Sympathetic nerve blocks are performed using image guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to ensure precision and safety. The specific location of the injection depends on the area of the body being treated:
- Stellate Ganglion Block – For upper extremity or facial pain
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block – For lower limb pain
- Celiac Plexus or Hypogastric Plexus Block – For abdominal or pelvic pain
After numbing the skin, a needle is inserted near the targeted sympathetic ganglion. A combination of a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid is injected to “block” the pain signals. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
What to Expect After Treatment
Patients may notice immediate relief due to the anesthetic, though this may wear off after several hours. For some, repeated blocks may be needed to achieve long-lasting results or to break the cycle of pain. In other cases, a single block may provide extended relief.
Depending on the response, your provider may recommend additional procedures such as radiofrequency denervation for longer-term disruption of the sympathetic nerves.
Benefits of Sympathetic Nerve Blocks
- Rapid relief from severe, burning, or radiating pain
- Improved circulation and mobility in the affected limb
- Diagnostic insight to guide future treatment
- Minimally invasive with low risk of complications
- Often reduces reliance on pain medications
Many patients with CRPS or nerve injury experience significant improvement in function and quality of life after undergoing a series of sympathetic blocks.
Is a Sympathetic Nerve Block Right for You?
If you’ve been living with nerve pain that hasn’t responded to medications, physical therapy, or other interventions, a sympathetic nerve block may help pinpoint the cause and provide relief. It is particularly useful when the pain has a burning, stabbing, or temperature-sensitive quality or when swelling and color changes are present in the limbs.
Advanced Pain Relief Starts at Ascent Pain
At Ascent Pain, we understand the complex nature of nerve pain and offer a wide range of advanced, image-guided procedures to help you regain control of your life. Our team specializes in sympathetic nerve blocks and other interventional therapies tailored to your unique needs.
Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or complete our online form to request your consultation and find out if a sympathetic nerve block can help you get back to living pain-free.