Sympathetic Nerve Block 

For individuals suffering from chronic pain, particularly conditions that involve nerve dysfunction or inflammation, a Sympathetic Nerve Block can provide significant relief. Dr. Vadim Lipel, a leading pain management specialist in Encino, California, offers this innovative procedure to help patients manage pain, reduce inflammation, and restore function. By targeting specific nerves that contribute to pain signals, a sympathetic nerve block can address conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), vascular issues, and other nerve-related pain conditions.

What is a Sympathetic Nerve Block?

A Sympathetic Nerve Block is an injection of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medication that targets the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, temperature regulation, and sweat production. The sympathetic nervous system also plays a key role in transmitting pain signals, and when it becomes overactive, it can contribute to chronic pain and other symptoms.

The procedure involves injecting medication near specific sympathetic nerves that are contributing to your pain. By blocking the nerve signals, the procedure can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation in the affected areas.

Sympathetic nerve blocks are commonly used to treat:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition usually affecting the limbs after an injury or surgery.
• Post-surgical pain: Chronic pain following certain surgeries.
• Vascular conditions: Such as Raynaud’s disease or poor blood flow to the extremities.
• Phantom limb pain: Pain experienced in a limb that has been amputated.
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD): A painful condition that causes burning pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature.
• Chronic pain: In the neck, back, or extremities, often due to nerve damage or inflammation.

Benefits of Sympathetic Nerve Block

• Targeted Pain Relief: The procedure provides direct pain relief by blocking nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain. Many patients experience significant reductions in pain and discomfort.
• Reduction in Inflammation: The sympathetic nerve block reduces inflammation that may be contributing to chronic pain and swelling, particularly in conditions like CRPS and RSD.
• Improved Circulation: By alleviating sympathetic nerve overactivity, the treatment can improve blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing and reducing symptoms like numbness or cold extremities.
• Non-Surgical Solution: Sympathetic nerve blocks are a minimally invasive alternative to more invasive surgical options. The procedure is typically quick and requires no incisions.
• Customized Treatment: The procedure can be repeated as necessary, allowing Dr. Lipel to fine-tune the treatment based on your pain management needs.
• Reduced Dependence on Medications: For patients seeking to avoid long-term use of pain medications or opioids, sympathetic nerve blocks provide an effective, non-addictive alternative for pain relief.

How the Procedure Works

The Sympathetic Nerve Block is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and sedation for your comfort. The injection is typically guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound for precise placement.

1. Preparation: Dr. Vadim Lipel will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. He will explain the procedure and what to expect, answering any questions or concerns you may have.
2. Imaging Guidance: The sympathetic nerve block is performed with imaging guidance to ensure precise targeting of the nerves. This may include fluoroscopy or ultrasound, which allows Dr. Lipel to visualize the area and deliver the injection to the correct location.
3. Injection: Once the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, a thin needle is inserted near the sympathetic nerve, and a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected. The anesthetic works immediately to block pain signals, while the anti-inflammatory medication helps reduce inflammation over time.
4. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you may experience some mild soreness or bruising at the injection site, which should resolve within a few days. You may also feel temporary numbness or a warm sensation in the treated area. Dr. Lipel will provide instructions on how to care for the injection site and any activity restrictions to ensure proper healing.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Many patients experience immediate relief from pain after the injection due to the numbing effects of the anesthetic. The full benefit of the treatment, however, may take a few days to develop as the anti-inflammatory medication begins to take effect. Depending on your condition, the relief from the sympathetic nerve block can last from several weeks to several months.

Common side effects after the procedure are minimal and temporary, and they may include:

• Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site
• Temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area
• Mild dizziness or lightheadedness (usually resolves quickly)
• A sensation of warmth in the treated area

Dr. Lipel will monitor your progress during follow-up visits and may recommend repeat injections or additional treatments to help manage your pain more effectively.

Is a Sympathetic Nerve Block Right for You?

A Sympathetic Nerve Block may be an excellent treatment option if you are suffering from:

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
• Chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, including medications, physical therapy, or surgery
• Post-surgical pain that persists after certain procedures
• Conditions like Raynaud’s disease, where there is poor circulation or coldness in the extremities
• Phantom limb pain or pain following amputation
• Nerve-related pain in the neck, back, or limbs

Dr. Vadim Lipel will assess your symptoms and medical history to determine whether a sympathetic nerve block is the right treatment for your condition.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing chronic pain or other nerve-related symptoms, a Sympathetic Nerve Block could provide the relief you need. Dr. Vadim Lipel specializes in advanced pain management techniques and offers personalized care to ensure the best possible outcome. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how this procedure can help you manage your pain effectively and improve your quality of life.