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Sympathetic Nerve Block

If you're experiencing chronic pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments—especially in the lower back, legs, arms, or abdomen—a sympathetic nerve block may offer meaningful relief. Dr. Miller specializes in advanced interventional procedures like sympathetic nerve blocks to target and treat nerve-related pain at its source.

What is a Sympathetic Nerve Block?

A sympathetic nerve block is an injection of anesthetic medication near the sympathetic nerves, which are part of the autonomic nervous system. These nerves can become overactive and contribute to conditions involving chronic pain, inflammation, or poor circulation. By "blocking" these nerve signals, the procedure can relieve pain, improve blood flow, and help reset nerve function.

Why Consider a Sympathetic Nerve Block?

  • Targeted Pain Relief: Provides focused treatment for nerve-related pain in the extremities or abdomen, often unresponsive to standard therapies.

  • Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small injection under image guidance, with minimal downtime.

  • Diagnostic and Therapeutic: Helps confirm if the sympathetic nerves are the source of pain, while also providing relief.

  • Improved Function: Reduces pain and may restore mobility, temperature regulation, and circulation in affected areas.

  • Non-Opioid Option: Offers pain relief without relying on long-term medication use.

Conditions Treated with a Sympathetic Nerve Block

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS / RSD)

  • Chronic abdominal or pelvic pain

  • Peripheral vascular disease

  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

  • Herpes zoster (shingles) pain

  • Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

  • Neuropathy and ischemic limb pain

What to Expect During the Procedure

Dr. Miller performs sympathetic nerve blocks under fluoroscopy or ultrasound to ensure precise needle placement. Depending on the pain location, the injection is administered to either the lumbar or cervical region. The entire procedure usually takes 30 minutes or less, and patients are monitored for a short period afterward before being released to go home.

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Some patients may experience immediate pain relief, while others may need a series of blocks for maximum effectiveness.

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