Certain pain conditions involve the sympathetic nervous system. When the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, this can lead to hypersensitivity to pain, and chronic pain even after the tissue has healed from an injury. By guiding a needle the sympathetic nerves in the spine and injecting an anesthetic, this painful cycle can be interrupted and can produce pain relief.
Stellate ganglion blocks can be used for various pain conditions including complex regional pain syndrome of the shoulder, arm and hand, and shingles pain. Stellate ganglion blocks are also effective in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lumbar sympathetic blocks are sympathetic blocks used in the treatment of lower extremity pain, such as knee and foot pain.
Superior hypogastric blocks are used in the treatment of pain in the pelvis, such as pain in the bladder, or reproductive organs.
Ganglion impar blocks are sympathetic blocks that are useful for the treatment of tailbone and genital pain.
