Need to talk to us?
What can we help you find?
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Section Menu
The sympathetic nerves are located on either side of the spine. These nerves normally are involved with involuntary functions, such as:
After some injuries or illnesses, these nerves can malfunction, causing a condition called chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which can lead to leg pain. In an epidural sympathetic nerve block, we inject a steroid medication near the sympathetic nerves to block or decrease the pain in your legs.
Pain Management Service, Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center 159 Wells Avenue Newton, MA 02459 Phone: 617-243-6142
When you arrive for your procedure, one of our nurses will speak with you about what your leg pain is like and how you manage daily activities. We’ll record the following vital health information:
It’s especially important to tell your nurse if you:
We may start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. This lets us give you fluids or a mild sedative during the procedure to help you relax. We’ll also apply temperature strips to the tops of your feet. These can help us see if your nerve block is successful during the procedure.
Next, you’ll discuss the procedure with your doctor and go into the X-ray room, where we’ll help you onto a table. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll clean your skin with an antiseptic and numb it with a local anesthetic. Next, your doctor will use X-ray guidance to place a small needle into the epidural space of your spine. We may use a small amount of contrast dye to make sure the needle is in the correct location. Once the needle is in place, your doctor will inject the medication into the joint. The entire procedure will take only a few minutes.
You should plan to stay with us for an hour after your procedure, as the anesthetic can make your legs feel weak or numb. During this time, a nurse will go over any questions you may have and review your discharge instructions and required follow-up care. Due to the side effects of your injection, you will need someone to drive you home after your epidural sympathetic nerve block. You won’t be able to drive for three hours after the procedure.
After you return home from your procedure, try to rest and avoid activities that might aggravate your pain. You likely can return to work the next day and return to exercise the day after that.
Some patients experience more pain at first when the anesthetic wears off because the steroid can irritate the nerves. Place ice on your injection site and take over-the-counter pain medications to ease any pain.
You should notice an improvement in your leg and foot pain within three to seven days. Many patients experience noticeable pain relief after their first or second injections. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice pain relief after the second injection. You may need to schedule a follow-up consultation or additional injection with your doctor.
Talk to your doctor for more information about receiving a referral for an epidural sympathetic nerve block, or call us at 617-243-6142 to request an appointment.
Get answers to common questions relating to your care at the Pain Management Service