Sympathetic nerve blocks are specialised injections used to manage nerve-related or vascular pain that may not respond to conventional treatments. These blocks target the sympathetic nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating pain, blood flow, and certain autonomic functions.
At PainMed, we use image-guided sympathetic blocks as part of a broader strategy to treat conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), visceral pain, and nerve dysfunction in the limbs or pelvis.
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system that controls functions like blood flow, sweating, and the body’s response to stress. When overactive or dysregulated, it can contribute to persistent or disproportionate pain, especially in the limbs, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
Sympathetic blocks can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS I & II)
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Sympathetically maintained pain in the limbs
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Vascular insufficiency or ischaemic pain
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Phantom limb pain
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Post-herpetic neuralgia
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Pelvic and abdominal pain syndromes
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Pain following trauma or nerve injury
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Cancer-related visceral pain
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At PainMed, we perform the following common types of sympathetic blocks:
Each procedure is selected based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and imaging findings.
Sympathetic blocks are generally safe when performed under imaging guidance. Potential side effects may include:
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Temporary weakness or numbness
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Drop in blood pressure
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Localised bruising or discomfort
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Temporary weakness or numbness
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Drop in blood pressure
03
Localised bruising or discomfort
05
Infection or bleeding (rare)
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No lasting benefit (though diagnostic value remains)
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Infection or bleeding (rare)
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No lasting benefit (though diagnostic value remains)
Your doctor will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you beforehand.
Sympathetic blocks are appropriate for:
We offer:
Explore Whether a Sympathetic Block Is Right for You
Our team can help assess whether a sympathetic nerve block could provide relief for your pain condition.
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Originally from England, Sally graduated from St George’s Hospital, University of London in 2004 with a BSc (First Class Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since settling in Australia, Sally has worked in private practice and in the public hospital setting across Sydney.
Sally gained a Masters in Medicine Pain Management from the University of Sydney in 2019 and is a Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association).
In addition to private practice, Sally currently works as a Senior Physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital Pain Management Service.
Sally is highly skilled in assessing, diagnosing and treating people who experience chronic pain. She enjoys working with injured workers and CTP claimants. She has a deep understanding of the impact of pain on the whole person and on their functioning in daily life. In partnership with her colleagues, Sally enjoys applying her knowledge and clinical skills to provide a safe space for exploration of the physical and emotional meaning of pain and for recovery of function.
Qualifications and Experience
Dr. Adam is a Fellowship-trained Pain Medicine Specialist with a Fellowship from the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) and a Master of Pain Medicine from the University of Sydney. He is dedicated to the comprehensive management of chronic pain across all age groups.
Dr. Adam trained in adult pain medicine at Liverpool Hospital, Nepean Hospital, and the Department of Pain Medicine, and completed additional training in paediatric chronic pain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He currently serves as a Staff Specialist at Westmead and St George Public Hospitals (NSW Health), and is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Liverpool Public Hospital, St George Private, Sydney Southwest Private, Holroyd Private, Norwest Private, and Nepean Private Hospitals.
He adopts a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach rooted in the socio-psycho-biomedical model, utilising both pharmacologic and interventional techniques. These include:
Dr. Adam is an Authorised Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis and holds a Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis. He is also certified in Opioid Treatment Programs, including Methadone. His areas of interest include opioid dependence management, medicinal cannabis, and interventional pain procedures.
He also completed advanced training in Virtual Reality Therapy for chronic pain and mental health disorders in Barcelona, Spain, and has further qualifications in Focused Psychological Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis.
Qualifications:
