Causes

When a nerve is excited or injured, its endings release chemicals. These chemicals cause an opening of the blood vessels. This results in inflammation which then leads to more stimulation of the sensory nerve fibers. Over time, an increased sensitivity to pain occurs. Arms, wrists, hands, fingers, legs, ankles and feet are the regions of the body rich in nerve endings and are most commonly affected. If you experience tingling, swelling, numbness, discoloration, or pain in your extremities this treatment may be right for you.

The sympathetic nervous system can also become overactive due to numerous diseases:

• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension
• Ischemic heart disease
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Type II diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome and obesity

How Does a Sympathetic Nerve Block Work?

The sympathetic nervous system plays a role in pain, blood vessel function, and inflammation. When nerve endings become overactive or injured, they release chemicals that increase blood flow and inflammation, further intensifying pain signals.

A sympathetic nerve block works by temporarily "turning off" the affected nerves, which can interrupt the pain cycle and reset nerve function.

Targeted Nerve Block Locations:

• Stellate Ganglion Block (Neck Area) – Used for pain in the upper body, arms, hands, and fingers
• Lumbar Sympathetic Block (Lower Spine Area) – Used for pain in the lower body, legs, ankles, and feet

If the first nerve block provides relief, additional treatments may be scheduled to further improve results.

Conditions That May Benefit from a Sympathetic Nerve Block

This procedure is often used to treat:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic pain syndromes affecting the extremities
• Circulatory and vascular pain conditions
• Hypertension and ischemic heart disease
• Diabetes-related nerve pain
• Metabolic disorders affecting nerve function

If you experience symptoms such as tingling, numbness, swelling, discoloration, or pain in your limbs, a sympathetic nerve block may be a beneficial treatment option.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

This procedure is an injection that numbs branches of nerves in your lower back. It helps doctors find and treat a number of problems linked to these nerves. Usually, a series of injections is needed to treat a problem.

What to Expect After a Sympathetic Nerve Block

Some patients may experience temporary side effects, including:

• Weakness or temporary soreness at the injection site
• A warm sensation in the treated limb
• Mild eyelid droop (if the injection is in the neck)
• Temporary voice changes or difficulty swallowing

Pain relief may vary from patient to patient. Some individuals experience immediate relief lasting weeks or months, while others may need multiple treatments for sustained benefits.

If chronic nerve pain is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation at OPS Surgery Center to discuss whether a sympathetic nerve block is right for you.