What are the sympathetic nerves?
The sympathetic nerves are a chain of nerves that run on the front side of the entire spinal column. They are part of the autonomic nervous system which controls many bodily functions we don’t think about, such as sweating, heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure.
What is a sympathetic nerve block?
For unknown reasons, the sympathetic nervous system can become activated and transmit pain following an injury. This can result in a condition known as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The sympathetic block involves injecting medicine around the sympathetic nerves in the low back or neck areas. These diagnostic blocks are performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain & if it is the source of your pain. The Stellate Ganglion Block is useful for arm, shoulder, and facial pain. The Lumbar Sympathetic Block is useful for back, leg and foot pain.
What is the purpose of the sympathetic nerve block?
These diagnostic blocks are performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain & if it is the source of your pain.