1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS

Posted , 8 users are following.

jane68688
jane68688

Hi i have recently been diagnosed with crps after an operation on my foot in November and i have now been referred to a neuro pain management clinic for them to try some nerve block....can anyone tell me what a nerve block is and what do they do

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Nowell
    Nowell jane68688

    Posted

    You are probably talking about a sympathetic ganglionic block usually done in a series of six. This is a dangerous procedure and has not been proven to be measurable benefit. There is a procedure that can be tried that is safe. This involves an anesthetic using lidocaine and marcaine injected parallel to the sural nerve . As in everything in Medicine there is no promise. However this is a safe procedure and is non-toxic.  This will involve several injections depending on response. Generally a good response is noted immediately and continues to improve as injections or repeated.  This is only good for CRPS 1
  • jane68688
    jane68688

    Posted

    oh that sounds scarey.... will they sedate me for that?
    • Nowell
      Nowell jane68688

      Posted

      No. It's a simple injection like a shot . If infused slowly it should sting at first but then the area is deadened by the lidocaine .  If you have CRPS anything is less painful than that . It's simply numbing the area like the dentist numbing a tooth .  It allows the Sural nerve a break and stops pain signals from going to the central nervous system to the glial cells and other brain areas .  It interrupts the feed-back mechanism . 
    • mary82457
      mary82457 jane68688

      Posted

      My pain doctor wants to do a nerve block, and he uses general anesthesia; so at least in the US some doctors put you under for the stellate ganglion block.

      ( I won't let him give me one, at least not yet.  I don't think  I need it.)

  • kalhoon
    kalhoon jane68688

    Posted

    Hi Jane. I just had a second sympathethic lumbar nerve block done and it was a piece of cake. I see a dr at Spine Team Texas and he is awesome! Both times I was put to sleep and felt nothing. Sadly, this second one was just a "it can't hurt to try" shot at pain relief but I've had CRPS for 5 years and after breakng my ankle and having 2 plates put in the pain has worsened and the burning is moving up my leg at a high rate! I hope the nerve blocks work for you!
  • Nowell
    Nowell jane68688

    Posted

    Ganglionic blocks have not been shown to alter the course of CRPS .  They ca be lethal though this is rare .  There is a lot of frustration among physicians when treating CRPS to " do" something  . As a physician I had to find my own pathway to relief . The Sural nerve blocks have been remarkable but have a downside . They have to be administered several times , often 3 times a day initially . The only practical way to do this is train your partner to do the injections.  I provide pts with 5cc syringes needles marcaine and lidocaine in quantity and give specifics.  
  • gelliblue
    gelliblue jane68688

    Posted

    How did it go at neuro pain management? I'm having the same thing done on Thursday and I'm unsure what to expect.
  • monica55935
    monica55935 jane68688

    Posted

    Hi Jane, I too had an operation in November last - it was a bunion removal op on my right foot, I am waiting for a scan - but the Drs are 90% sure I have CRPS. I suffer from Asthma, so they thought it best to give me the spinal block anesthetic, now I wonder if if was some nerve damaged in my spine - or during the actual op on my foot. I am really worried as my foot is still badly swollen - and I cant move my toes properly.Any advice/help would be very much appreciated. Thank you.
    • sue84239
      sue84239 monica55935

      Posted

      Hi Monica.  What crps symptoms do you have?My bunion op was January and I still hVe swelling and discolouration as well as minimal movement in big toe and burning pain in the toe if I do too much. I have been referred to a pain management clinic but hoping that the physio massage will sort it out...fingers crossed and I may be being too optimistic here.
    • monica55935
      monica55935 sue84239

      Posted

      Hi Sue,

      I have swelling mostly around my big toe area, and stinging pain that is intermittent, but sometimes its that bad my foot jerks. I am having a scan on my foot on Saturday, I have been told that this problem could be one of two causes, either the bones in my foot havent healed - or its CRPS, which two of the Dr's Ive seen, have said they are fairly sure I have this condition.I am not familiar with the condition, but I have read that the earlier its diagnosed, the better chances you have. I feel disappointed that I have repeatedly told my consultant about this stinging pain, but feel that she didnt really explore any caused as to why this was happening to me, I am so worried, that I wont walk properly again, nor drive. I feel like a prisoner. I am taking legal advice at present, although Ive been told this condition can appear at any time, however I really feel my case could have been handled more professionally. Good luke with the physio, Im just waiting for my appointment for that.

  • RossiV
    RossiV jane68688

    Posted

    I have had CRPS for at least 2 yrs now. I go to a pain clinic and see a specialist. It originally started in my right knee but have also have symptoms in my right toe. I have had 9 sympathetic lumbar blocks with some sedation that has helped quite a bit . I was on crutches, went to a cane and now nothing. Its still not normal and u still get the pain and heaviness but I will be going for some new injection treatments next month and will report back.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.