Living with chronic pain can make even the most routine daily activities a challenge. Thankfully, sympathetic nerve blocks from Freedom Spine & Pain Center can offer you relief. Here, we’ll take a closer look at what sympathetic nerve blocks are, how they can relieve chronic pain, and what’s involved in the treatment process.
What Are Sympathetic Nerve Blocks?
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) comprises a network of nerve cells spanning from the brainstem to the spinal cord. When functioning properly, the SNS helps control and suppress pain. However, damaged sympathetic nerves can lead to chronic pain.
Enter sympathetic nerve blocks, which are widely believed to be an effective method for treating chronic pain. This proven method involves the interruption of pain signals between nerves and the brain by injecting a nerve-numbing medication into the sympathetic nervous system.
How Are Sympathetic Nerve Blocks Used?
Sympathetic nerve blocks are used to treat many types of nerve pain, such as:
- Blood vessel spasms
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Raynaud syndrome
- Chronic stomach
- Burning, tingling, and pain in the extremities
- Rectal and genital pain
Sympathetic nerve blocks are also used to treat excessive swelling.
Furthermore, healthcare providers can use sympathetic nerve blocks to identify the causes of pain.
What To Expect During a Sympathetic Nerve Block
During your sympathetic nerve block treatment, you may be given IV medication to help you relax, as well as a local anesthetic to numb the injection area.
After the right nerve is located via x-ray, the anesthetic solution will be injected into the site. The needle will then be removed, and a small bandage will be applied to the location. After remaining in recovery for approximately an hour, you’ll be able to go home.
This treatment should provide you with long-term relief from pain. Additional treatments may include physical therapy and pain medication.
Chronic Pain Relief is Within Reach With Freedom Spine & Pain Center
While living with chronic pain can be debilitating, it is not hopeless. Pain and spine experts like the Freedom Spine & Pain Center will work with you to assess your condition and customize a treatment plan to improve your pain symptoms and provide a better quality of life.
To schedule an appointment with the Freedom Spine & Pain Center team, call 210-920-8945. We have convenient locations in Boerne, Kerrville, and San Antonio, TX.