The Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block is performed to relieve arm pain caused by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), which may develop after an injury or surgery to a joint or limb. Usually a series of injections are needed to treat the problem.
The Lumbar Sympathetic Block is performed to relieve leg pain caused by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy). which may develop after an injury or surgery to a joint or limb. Usually a series of injections are needed to treat the problem.
The Superior Hypogastric Plexus is a structure that is located in the abdominal region and encompasses nerves that extend into the pelvis and coccyx. Therefore, blocking nerves in this region leads to the reduction of pelvic pain.
Sympathetic Nerves originate along the spinal column and extend to all smooth muscles and glands within the body, including the muscles of the heart. These nerves send and receive signals throughout the body, enable and control involuntary movements, and govern how the body reacts to unexpected physical changes or external (e.g., environmental) changes.
Patients with pelvic discomfort are often treated with non-opioid and opioid analgesics, but sometimes this treatment does NOT improve symptoms and in some cases, can cause intolerable side effects. When this occurs, a Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block may be recommended.
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block is usually indicated for Chronic Visceral (Organ) Pain Syndrome originating from other intra-abdominal pelvic viscera (malignancies).
A superior hypogastric plexus block is a procedure in which sympathetic nerves are blocked in order to relieve pelvic pain and in some cases, coccydynia.
The superior hypogastric plexus block is used to treat pelvic pain that may be the result of various conditions including:
- Conditions originating in the reproductive organs and genitalia (e.g. uterus, testes, bladder, etc.)
- Endometriosus
- Refractory penile pain
- Descending colon
- Genitourinary and gynecologic cancers (e.g. cervical, prostate, testicular, and ovarian cancer)
- Colorectal cancers
- Radiation Therapy injuries of muscles and nerves
- Coccydynia
Currently, this is an optimal form of treatment for chronic pelvic pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) can be used in special conditions to produce longer-lasting results. The procedure is generally performed if treatment with medication has been ineffective or causes intolerable side effects. It has proven to be effective in relieving chronic pain in many patients. In some cases, pain has not returned for up to two years following treatment and many patients can either stop taking pain medication or take significantly lower doses. Dr. Tubbs considers this especially in the setting of malignancy.