Sympathetic Nerve Blocks in Phoenix

If you have long-lasting pain that doesn’t go away, sympathetic nerve blocks Phoenix might be the answer you’re looking for. This simple procedure can help reduce pain in your back (lumbar) and neck and make everyday life more manageable. Stick with Comprehensive Pain Management to find out how it works.

What are Sympathetic Nerve Blocks?

Sympathetic nerve blocks Phoenix are the procedure of injecting a small amount of medicine near the sympathetic nerves, which are part of your nervous system. These nerves help control automatic body functions like blood flow and sweating. When these nerves get overactive, they can cause pain. Sympathetic blocks work by stopping these nerves from sending pain signals, which can give you relief from conditions like chronic pain or anxiety.

Types of Sympathetic Nerve Blocks Phoenix

It has 2 main types, which are chosen depending on where the pain is and what’s causing it:

  • Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block: This type focuses on nerves in the neck and can treat pain in your chest, head, neck, and upper limbs.
  • Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block: This one targets nerves in the lower back and is used for pain in the lower limbs or pelvis.

The Sympathetic Block Procedure

During the sympathetic nerve blocks Phoenix procedure, your doctor will first clean the area around the nerve. They’ll then use a needle to carefully inject a numbing medicine, often with a steroid, into the area near the sympathetic nerve. This temporarily blocks the nerve from sending pain signals to your brain. It can reduce pain and swelling and improve blood flow. The procedure usually takes about 15–30 minutes.

Conditions Sympathetic Blocks Treat

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
Post-surgical painPhantom limb pain
Chronic abdominal painHerpes zoster (shingles) pain
Peripheral vascular disease

Benefits of Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

  • Can reduce pain quickly
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Helps reduce swelling
  • Non-invasive with minimal recovery time
  • Can reduce the need for oral medications
  • Targets pain directly at the source
  • Improves mobility and quality of life

What Happens After a Sympathetic Nerve Block?

After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short time to make sure there are no immediate reactions. You may feel numbness or warmth in the treated area for a little while. Most people can go back to normal activities the next day but should avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours. You may need a follow-up appointment to see how well the treatment worked.

Expert Sympathetic Nerve Block Injections in Phoenix

If you’re struggling with neck and back pain, especially lumbar pain that doesn’t go away, sympathetic nerve blocks Phoenix might help. Comprehensive Pain Management clinic is here to provide expert care, help you understand the procedure, and get you the relief you need.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FAQs

If the block doesn’t work, your doctor will discuss other treatments and might re-evaluate your condition.

Recovery is usually quick. Most people can return to their usual activities in a day or two. Just avoid heavy activities for a short time.

Follow your doctor’s instructions. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Have someone drive you home afterward.

Your doctor will check your symptoms. They may perform a physical exam or other tests to figure out if sympathetic nerves are involved.

Sympathetic nerve blocks are helpful because they target the nerves directly responsible for pain, providing fast relief without surgery.

The procedure is low risk, but it can cause mild side effects like temporary numbness, soreness at the injection site, or infection.

You might feel relief within a few hours to a day after the procedure. Some people feel immediate relief, while others might take a few days to notice a difference.

The effects of the block can last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may need additional treatments for longer-lasting relief.

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.