Nerve Blocks

 

 

Often a group of nerves (a plexus or ganglion) that causes pain to a specific body part can be turned off or blocked by an injection of nerve-numbing medicine. This is called a nerve block. Nerve blocks can be used selectively to treat the cause of pain without surgery. Nerve blocks can help patients who suffer from low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, cancer, complex regional pain syndrome, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, shingles and peripheral vascular disease.

 

 

Therapeutic nerve blocks treat painful conditions. These blocks contain pain-relieving medicine to control acute pain. Therapeutic nerve blocks offer periods of dramatic pain relief.

 

Diagnostic nerve blocks help doctors determine sources of pain. These blocks typically contain an anesthetic with a predetermined duration of relief.

 

Epidurals are a type of spinal injection used to eliminate pain and sensation by blocking the transmission of pain signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord.

 

Facet joint block is performed to determine whether a facet joint is a source of pain. Facet joints lie along the back of the spine, where one vertebra slightly overlaps the adjoining vertebra to guide and restrict spinal movement.

 

Prognostic nerve blocks predict treatment outcomes.

 

Stellate ganglion block is performed to determine if there is damage to the sympathetic nerve chain supplying the head, neck, chest and arms. The goal is to determine the source of pain in those areas. Used mainly as a diagnostic block, it may also provide pain relief beyond the normal duration of anesthetic medication.

 

Sympathetic nerve block is performed to uncover and treat damage along the sympathetic nerve chain. This network of nerves extends the length of the spine. It controls certain involuntary bodily functions, such as widening and narrowing blood vessels. If they malfunction, sympathetic nerves can cause pain, as well. Nerve blocks are performed with the help of fluoroscopy. This enables Dr. Santo to place the needle precisely.

 

Dr. Santo is board-certified by both the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine. She also received advanced fellowship training at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Santo is dedicated to helping patients find pain relief. You will appreciate Dr. Santo’s heartfelt commitment to achieving the best results for each patient.

 

Call AdvancedPainCare in Harrisburg, PA at 717-782-6829.  We welcome and encourage your referrals.