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Sympathetic Nerve Block For Pain

Elaboration

It is considered to be the best treatment for the treatment of chronic pain and many doctors have admitted it, however all of medical researchers do not seem to be agreed to mark these blocks effective in chronic pain.  This treatment focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, a series of nerves that go from your spine to your body to control many involuntary body functions, or body functions at which you do not have control; it comprises blood flow, digestion and sweating.

The process is carried out as

These are the steps which are followed in this treatment

  • You will have a meeting with a pain management specialist who will be expert in treating damaged nerve blocks
  • You will be asked to inform your doctor regarding all the medicines you use such as vitamins and supplements; you might be asked if you have any skin allergy.
  • You will be asked to have fast for six hours before you undergo this treatment
  • The medical team will begin with intravenous line and observe your vital signs carefully.
  • You can get some medication through the IV line to get you relaxed or sleepy.
  • Your area in your neck or back will be numbed with a local anesthetic, before the actual block.
  • The use of X-rays is also expected to help your doctor in finding the right ganglion.
  • Once the ganglion is identified, it is blocked by inserting an anesthetic solution in it, or sometimes other chemicals are also used.

Am I a Candidate?

If you suffer from nerve (neurogenic) pain, most commonly burning pain of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy otherwise named as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in your arms or legs, and then you are right candidate for this procedure.

How long will it take?

It does not take more than 30 minutes

How long will it take to recover?

Patient mostly observed for 30 to 60 minutes and then they can resume activity after feeling improvement, patients are advised to rest on the day the treatment is performed.

Its Outcome

A sympathetic nerve block is comparatively safe treatment than other conservative treatments. You can move to your work after one day rest. If you undergo IV sedation then driving yourself is not advised, it means you need someone to get you back home.