Patient Information Resources


Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






Ankle
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Have you ever heard of a nerve block for arm pain called sphenopalatine block? I found some information on the web about this and wondered if it works.

Sphenopalatine block is a nontraditional treatment used for chronic pain. It's used sometimes in conditions like fibromyalgia, headache, and myofascial pain syndrome. Usually the patient has been treated without success with drugs, physical therapy, and acupuncture.

The sphenopalatine block puts a local anesthetic (lidocaine, tetracaine) on the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG). The SPG is a group of nerve cells outside the nervous system. Pain messages can't get through to the brain when blocked by this numbing agent.

Reports on the use of this type of block suggest it gives partial relief of pain. Patients may get up to 50 percent pain reduction.

A recent study at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey reported use of sphenopalatine block in two cases. Both patients were women who had an accident and were left with leg pain diagnosed as complex regional pain syndrome. They both got 50 percent relief of their painful symptoms.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.