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. 

July 31, 2026
Many people spend hours each day sitting at a desk, looking down at a phone, or driving between appointments without realizing how these habits affect their bodies. Over time, poor posture places excessive stress on muscles, joints, and the spine, leading to chronic pain that interferes with daily life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients identify the causes of persistent pain and develop bespoke treatment plans that improve function, mobility, and well-being. How Poor Posture Leads to Chronic Pain Proper posture keeps your body aligned, allowing muscles, ligaments, and joints to work efficiently. When posture is compromised—whether from slouching, hunching over a computer, or standing unevenly—certain muscles become overworked while others weaken. Such imbalance places unnecessary strain on the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, poor posture leads to chronic pain in several areas of the body, including: Neck and shoulders Upper and lower back Hips and pelvis Knees Head, leading to tension headaches Many people don’t notice the effects immediately, but repeated poor posture can gradually cause inflammation, muscle fatigue, nerve irritation, and reduced flexibility. Common Signs Your Posture May Be Causing Pain Poor posture often develops slowly, making it hard to recognize until discomfort becomes persistent. Typical symptoms include: Frequent neck or shoulder stiffness Ongoing lower back pain Muscle tightness after sitting for long periods Headaches which start at the base of the skull Rounded shoulders or a forward head position Fatigue from standing or sitting throughout the day If these symptoms continue despite rest or over-the-counter treatments, it may be time for a medical assessment. Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture Improving posture doesn’t happen overnight, but small daily changes can greatly reduce pain and prevent future problems. Consider these healthy habits: Sit with both feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Keep computer monitors at eye level to reduce neck strain. Take regular breaks to move your body throughout the day. Strengthen muscles in your core to better support your spine. Practice posture awareness while standing, walking, and lifting objects. Try not to look down at your phone for longer periods of time by raising the screen closer to eye level. These simple adjustments can reduce stress on your body and improve comfort during daily activities. When Professional Treatment Is Needed While posture correction helps many people, chronic pain may require additional medical care, especially if poor posture has caused joint dysfunction, nerve irritation, or long-term muscle imbalances. A complete evaluation can determine whether posture is causing your symptoms and identify other underlying conditions that may be involved. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include: Physical therapy and guided rehabilitation Interventional pain management procedures Trigger point or joint injections Medication management when appropriate Personalized exercise recommendations Education on body mechanics and ergonomics Combining posture correction with targeted treatment often provides the greatest long-term relief. Personalized Chronic Pain Care at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand chronic pain is rarely caused by a single factor. Our experienced providers evaluate the whole person to identify the root cause of discomfort and create individualized treatment plans that support lasting relief. Whether your pain stems from poor posture, repetitive strain, or another underlying condition, we’re committed to helping you improve mobility, restore function, and return to the activities you enjoy.  If chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain is impacting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, let’s customize a treatment plan that helps you stand taller, move more comfortably, and live with less pain.
June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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