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FAQs + Info On Celiac Plexus Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain

Celiac Plexus Nerve Blocks for Chronic Pain
Your celiac plexus is a bundle of radiating nerves that sit behind the diaphragm and pancreas, near the aorta in the abdomen. The celiac plexus is a part of the sympathetic nervous system, and is connected to multiple organs in the abdomen, including the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, stomach, spleen and intestines. 

If you suffer from chronic abdominal pain caused by the celiac plexus nerves, you may be a candidate for a celiac plexus nerve block. This procedure can provide relief for abdominal pain caused by a number of conditions. CPNB has been performed for decades as a treatment for severe abdominal pain associated with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis and various other conditions.

Here’s what you should know about celiac plexus nerve blocks to treat abdominal pain. 

What Causes Celiac Plexus Nerve Pain?

A number of health conditions can cause celiac plexus nerve pain:


  • Pancreatic Cancer
  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Gastroparesis
  • Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
  • Acid Reflux
  • Diabetes


Pain in the celiac plexus nerves can range from a gnawing ache to a burning sensation that makes it difficult to eat or sleep. Many individuals experience worsening pain after eating. 


Oftentimes, celiac plexus pain is caused by a growth or abnormality in the pancreas that presses on the celiac plexus nerves. Other times, nerve damage (typically caused by diabetes) causes pain signals in the abdomen. 

What is a Celiac Plexus Nerve Block?

Many patients with chronic abdominal pain don’t find relief with typical analgesic treatments. Others dislike the side effects associated with traditional pain relief methods, such as opioid pain medication. 


For individuals with chronic abdominal pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment methods, a celiac plexus block may be recommended. 


A celiac plexus block is an injection of pain medication into the area surrounding the celiac plexus. This medication blocks pain signals from the celiac plexus nerves to the brain, providing relief from chronic pain. 

How Is Celiac Plexus Nerve Block Performed?

Celiac plexus nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure performed in an outpatient setting. Patients can receive sedation if requested, but it isn’t required.


During the procedure, your doctor will use x-ray technology to locate the correct injection site, and will inject dye to confirm the correct placement of the spinal needle. Once the needle is in place, your doctor will inject a combination of methylprednisolone (a steroid) and bupivicaine (local anesthetic) into the celiac plexus nerves. Both sides of the spine are treated to ensure complete pain relief. 


As the medication spreads and covers the nerves, most patients experience immediate pain relief. 

How Long Celiac Plexus Nerve Block Last?

Typically, a diagnostic celiac plexus nerve block will provide effective pain relief for at least six to 24 hours. However, it's important to note that results differ by patient.


If the celiac plexus nerve block works to relieve your pain but just doesn’t last long enough, you’re likely a good candidate for a full neurolytic celiac plexus nerve block treatment. This is also known as celiac plexus neurolysis, a procedure that deadens the celiac plexus nerves using alcohol or phenol.


Celiac plexus neurolysis can provide effective pain relief for anywhere from several weeks to a full year. Each patient’s response to the procedure is different, but a minimum of two months of pain relief is typically expected. 

How Successful is Celiac Plexus Nerve Block in Treating Abdominal Pain?

Celiac plexus nerve blocks have been performed for decades with a high success rate.


For individuals with chronic pain caused by pancreatic cancer, CPNB is approximately 73% effective in providing significant immediate pain relief. 


For individuals with chronic pain caused by pancreatitis, CPNB reduced pain by up to 50% in the majority of patients. 


For individuals suffering from gastroparesis, celiac plexus block was effective in treating pain and other complications of the condition for up to 10 weeks. 


Many patients with chronic pain caused by pancreatic cancer elect to have celiac plexus neurolysis. This allows for a longer period of pain management and can reduce the amount of opioid pain medication a patient requires. 

What are the Potential Complications of Celiac Plexus Nerve Block?

Complications following a celiac plexus nerve block are rare. The most common complications are bruising and tenderness at the injection site. 


Less common complications include low blood pressure and diarrhea following the procedure. In exceedingly rare cases, nerve damage, a collapsed lung or infection can occur. 

Celiac Plexus Nerve Block at PTCOA

Pain Treatment Centers of America is the largest fully comprehensive pain management practice in Arkansas. We have nine clinic locations and six interventional surgery centers across the state. 


At our practice, we’re proud to specialize in celiac plexus nerve blocks to provide pain relief and a higher quality of life to patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain. 


Make your appointment with PTCOA today. 

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