I see some people get nerve blocks.. Isn't this invasive? Wouldn't it cause spread? What is the purpose of a block? Some people says it only gives a few days of relief.
I'm thinking about asking for this in Multiple areas but don't know much about it. Can somebody explain please

Hi CG,

Some people get local or regional blocks when the problem is in a restricted area like the ankle and below. Most of the blocks though are either stellate ganglion blocks or lumbar sympathetic blocks, done alongside the spine, which are aimed at diagnosing and disrupting pain from the sympathetic nervous system. For some, breaking the cycle over a period of time can bring relief and symptom reduction. For others they don't do that much good and sometimes people have posted that it caused spread. Yes they are invasive and results vary but it is one more thing in the toolbox to consider. I myself have not had one, just a peripheral nerve block to the ankle. Is there a CRPS specialist anywhere you could go see? Even if you had to travel? There is a link with the SFN and CRPS.

I don't know if there's a specialist, I'll have to talk to my neuro in July. Could u get a block for mid calf down?

I had 3 sympathetic blocks in 2 different procedures. I had zero results, nothing.

The pain dr was hoping it would relieve some of the pain in my feet. The blocks were done in the lower spine area.

Debi from Georgia

Hi CG,
As far as blocks being invasive it would be considered so because of the nature of it.
But as far as causing spreading it varies from case to case.
I had three done to my ganglion nerves in my neck/shoulder area with no triggers or results. I've had full body spread since but not related to the blocks.
Sort of a hit and miss kind of a thing. Some find good results and it's something neurologists want to try in most cases to use as a control test if nothing else. A lot can be learned by them. Even a negative result says something.
Blocks can be performed in most any area if done correctly by an expert.
I hope that if you choose this that it helps you find relief and leads to a pain free life.
I believe that all avenues available to us should be explored fighting this monster.
Best of luck to you in your fight...

I had my first block a couple weeks ago and had two near pain free days ( as near as I am gonna get) so I'm set up now to try one a week for 3 weeks. We will see how that goes. I've had less blue handed days and less of a dramatic response to touch since. But I'm also doing therapy. So not sure what is what. I figured it was worth a shot (pun intended )

Hello CG,

I had my first block in May, and had about 4 days of almost 0 pain. The week before I had a manipulation surgery done on my shoulder and this had triggered the CRPS to move into my neck, chest and face, all on the right side only. The block, in my case was used as a tool to diagnose. And now that they know what it is, they are sending me to Toledo for blocks done every 3 days, which they say is a series of blocks. I don't know all the info yet, and am not sure how I feel about being such a pin cushion, but we will see what happens.

I hope you find the information your looking for and if you have a block done, I do hope it works for you!!

Dawn