Sympathetic blocks are an effective method for controlling chronic pain resulting from complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, as well as chronic leg/arm/forearm (upper extremity) pain. This therapy targets the sympathetic nervous system, a network of nerves that spread out from your spine to your body to help control several involuntary body functions including blood flow, digestion, and sweat.

Your sympathetic nerves join outside your spine area in a system of nerves called ganglions. If you have pain in the upper and lower part of your body, a ganglion near the upper or lower spine may be targeted with a sympathetic block. Similarly, you may experience pain relief from blocking the stellate ganglion in your neck, or mid-to-low back area if you have pain in the upper part of your body.