What is sympathetic nerve block?

A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of medicine around nerves in your neck or back. This nerve block is used for problems such as chronic regional pain syndrome and pain from some types of cancer.

Sympathetic nerves spread out from your spine. They control some of the body functions you have no control over, like blood flow and digestion. They also carry pain signals. When this system isn't working right, you can have long-term (chronic) pain.

The nerves come together in groups called ganglions throughout your body. This is where the nerve block is done. Your doctor will decide which group of nerves needs this treatment.

The nerve block contains anesthetic, which usually numbs the nerves. It may also contain a steroid, which may reduce swelling and pain. Steroids take a few days, and they don't always work.

Activity

• You may want to do less than normal for a few days. Or you may be able to return to your daily routine.
• You may shower if your doctor okays it.
• Do not take a bath for the first 24 hours, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If you normally take a blood thinner, be sure to get instructions about when to start taking it again.

Ice

• If the site of your injection feels sore or tender, put ice or a cold pack on it for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

You will probably go home about an hour after the injection.

Sympathetic nerve blocks don't always work. If it does work, you may feel less pain right away. Sometimes the pain comes back after the anesthetic wears off.

If your nerve block included a steroid, it may take a few days to relieve the pain.

You may want to do less than normal for a few days. Or you may be able to return to your daily routine. Pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer. The block may need to be repeated.

A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of medicine into your neck or back to help chronic pain.

Sympathetic nerves spread out from your spine. They control some of the body functions you have no control over, like blood flow and digestion. They also carry pain signals. When this system isn't working right, such as after an injury, you can have chronic pain.

These nerves come together in groups called ganglions throughout your body. This is where these nerve blocks are done.

If the nerve block was in your neck, the numbing medicine might affect your face for a few hours. You may have a droopy eyelid, a stuffy nose, a red eye, or redness in the face. You may also have some trouble swallowing. Follow your doctor's instructions about eating and drinking for the next few hours.

If the nerve block was in your back, you may feel some warmth and redness in your leg or foot.

This type of nerve block doesn't always work. If it does work, you may feel pain relief right away. Sometimes the pain comes back after the anesthetic medicine wears off.

If your nerve block included a steroid, it may take a few days to relieve the pain.

First the doctor will use a tiny needle to numb the skin. Then the doctor puts the nerve block needle into the numbed area. Your doctor may use X-rays or ultrasound to help guide the needle. You may feel some pressure. But you should not feel pain.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

• Bring a picture ID.
• The procedure will take 30 to 60 minutes.