Moving on from celiac/solar plexus pain with nerve block injections

A couple is out running after their nerve block injection treatment.

You likely know the “celiac plexus” as the “solar plexus.” And we know that when this collection of nerves in your abdomen hurts, you simply want the pain gone! When common pain medications cause side effects that are hard to live with, or do not provide the relief that you need, a targeted CP nerve block may be in your future. You can finally get the results that allow you to move on from the pain and to really start living again with treatment at The Hemlock Pain Center locations in Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, or Milledgeville, Georgia.

How does a CP nerve block work?

This treatment involves injecting a medication (nerve block) into the CP/SP area. This treatment is appropriate for pain in the upper abdomen, as the CP sends pain messages from your pancreas, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and intestines to your brain. True to its name, this medication blocks the nerves from feeling pain.

How do I prepare for my injection?

We will review everything you need to do and everything you should expect at each step before your appointment. As your visit approaches, it is important not to eat or consume anything after midnight, including hard candies or chewing gum. This is a good rule of thumb, but you may need to fast or abstain from food for longer beforehand. You will also be told not to drink anything (including water) for at least two hours before your appointment. Follow any and all instructions provided by our Board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, Drs. Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta. This helps to ensure a successful and safe treatment.

What can I expect on the day of my appointment?

This procedure is performed with anesthesia that will induce you to fall asleep. Once you are asleep, we will numb the area about halfway up your back. Like other nerve block procedures, we use diagnostic technologies to guide the needle with the block to the appropriate site for your injection. Once we have found that site, the medication will be injected. A bandage will be placed in the CP area. It takes about 90 minutes. When you come to, it’s not unusual to feel a little dizzy. You may also feel a full, warm, and/or nauseous sensation in your belly. You will rest and continue to be monitored until you feel better.

A patient is undergoing nerve block treatment.
A beautiful couple after receiving a nerve block injection.

When can I expect to get relief from my treatment?

It’s also not unusual for things to get worse before they get better. Never fear, though, that pain should subside quickly in around 24 hours. We can discuss ways to manage that pain with you, as it can take a few days for the full effects of the nerve block to really kick in, Depending on your body’s response to the block, we can advise on how and when to slowly lower any medication you may be taking to manage the immediate pain afterward. Your experience with CP nerve block is unique. You may experience considerable pain relief for several weeks or several months, at which time we can discuss options to move forward and to continue to sustain your comfort and capacity to enjoy your life to the fullest.

As a referral-based practice, our patient care coordinators at The Hemlock Pain Center look forward to discussing next steps to move forward from your pain. We welcome your call to one of our four area offices – in Macon, GA (478) 475-2385, Warner Robins (478) 997-6444, Dublin (478) 800-3745, or Milledgeville (478) 280-4670.