Sympathetic Ganglion Block Injections

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Here is what you can expect from today’s edition:

• Sympathetic Ganglion Block Injections Explained

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Sympathetic Ganglion Block Injections Explained

Sympathetic ganglion block injections are used to alleviate pain, typically in conditions where sympathetic nerves play a role in generating or maintaining the pain. These injections target the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling various involuntary functions in the body, such as blood flow, and perspiration.

There are 3 main sympathetic ganglia that we target. They are the Stellate Ganglion for symptoms in the arms, Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion for symptoms in the legs, and the Ganglion Impar for symptoms in the pelvis and tailbone.

Stellate Ganglion:

Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglia:

Ganglion Impar:

The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic medication near the sympathetic ganglia, which are bundles of nerve cells located along the spinal cord. By blocking the transmission of pain signals through these bundles of nerves, sympathetic ganglion block injections can provide relief for a variety of conditions, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), Phantom Limb Pain, persistent nerve pain from shingles infection, peripheral neuropathy and more.

Let’s review how these injections are usually performed:

• The skin over the injection area is cleaned and sterilized.

• A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and deeper tissues near the injection area.

• A needle is guided using fluoroscopy or ultrasound to reach the target sympathetic ganglia.

• The anesthetic or medication is then injected around the ganglia.

• The entire procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and the patient is observed briefly for any immediate reactions.

• The effect of the block, including the duration and amount of relief may vary from person to person

It's important to note that while sympathetic ganglion block injections can be effective in managing certain types of pain, they are not always a permanent solution, and the effects may vary from person to person. Additionally, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, and the decision to undergo such treatment should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional who can assess the individual's specific condition and medical history.

Ask your doctor if they think your symptoms could be improved by a sympathetic ganglion block injection. They can discuss more specific details with you pertaining to your specific pain symptoms and treatment options.

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About the Author

Les is an invaluable member of the team! He is the Lead Writer for the Field Guide to Back and Neck Pain newsletter. However, Les Payne is just a Pen Name to protect the identity of our expert Lead Writer who is an actively practicing, board-certified expert in the treatment and prevention of back and neck pain as well as other acute and chronic pain conditions. He has years of experience in this field and has treated over 15,000 patients with pain of all kinds!

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