We’re pleased to announce that Pain Physicians of Wisconsin is now Pro Spine Pain.
Hypogastric plexus blocks are injections of medication that help relieve pelvic pain. The pain may come from the colon, bladder, lower intestines, uterus or ovaries, prostate or testicles, or other parts of the pelvis. The procedure also can help reduce pelvic pain from endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, radiation injury and cancer in the pelvis.
The hypogastric plexus is a bundle of nerves near the bottom of your spinal cord. Blocking these nerves from carrying pain information can help you stop feeling pain in your pelvis.
First, you’ll be given an intravenous medication in order to relxas. Then, you’ll lie on your stomach on an x-ray table. Your pain management doctor will numb an area of skin on your back with a local anesthetic.
Then, guided by an x-ray, he or she will:
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes. You’ll stay for observation for at least 30 minutes, and most people will go home soon after.
Some patients report pain relief within 30 minutes after the injection, but pain may return a few hours later as the anesthetic wears off. Longer term relief usually begins in two to three days, once the steroid begins to work.
How long the pain stays away is different for each patient. For some, the relief lasts weeks. For others, the relief lasts years. If the pain returns, we can repeat the hypogastric plexus block every few months.
Your pelvic area may feel warm or “different,” and you may begin to feel less pelvic pain. You can continue your regular diet and medications immediately, but do not drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. You can return to your normal activities the next day.
The risk of complication from a hypogastric plexus block is very low. However, there could be bruising or soreness at the injection site. Serious complications, such as infection, nerve damage and bleeding, are uncommon.
Side effects of the steroid medication are rare but can include:
flushed face, slight fever, hiccups, insomnia, headache, water retention, increased appetite, increased heart rate, abdominal cramping or bloating.
Any side effects should resolve within a few days.
The interventional pain management physicians at Pro Spine & Pain are Ivy League-educated and trained. Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors—a prestigious national accolade—we offer minimally invasive procedures to alleviate your pain and help you resume daily activities. Additionally, we specialize in regenerative medicine to initiate the healing process once you’re pain-free. Trusted by over 10,000 patients in Wisconsin, our team leverages multiple modalities to address your pain, including managing post-operative pain from previous surgeries. Our doctors prioritize upholding each patient’s dignity while delivering ethical and professional services.