Sympathetic Nerve Block is a procedure used to diagnose and treat pain caused by dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that control various bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is injected near the sympathetic nerves to block the pain signals. If the patient experiences significant pain relief after the injection, it confirms that the pain is originating from the sympathetic nerves. This can help doctors diagnose the source of the pain and determine the best treatment options, which may include physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, or medication management.
Sympathetic nerve blocks are commonly used to treat pain caused by conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chronic pain from nerve damage, and cancer-related pain. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis and has few side effects. The effects of the injection can last for a few weeks to several months, depending on the individual and their condition.
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