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A ganglion impar block is an injection that eases pain for a variety of health conditions in the lower pelvis and groin. It is effective because your brain sends information to the body through nerve pathways. Nerves also receive signals from the body and relay those signals to the brain. A ganglion impar block intercepts these signals in the pelvic or groin region because it is injected into the ganglion impar, or a cluster of nerve intersections in the pelvic area before they can communicate pain to the brain.
If you are considering a ganglion impar block, speak with the spine specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery (OLSS). The medical professionals at OLSS will ensure you receive a customized treatment plan that is best for your spine and back condition. We are proud to offer state-of-the-art, minimally invasive technology if a ganglion impar block treatment is right for you.
Why You Might Need a Ganglion Impar Block
There are a multitude of conditions that may benefit from a ganglion impar block. Above the tailbone, the ganglion impar sits in the pelvis, right in front of the sacrum. Nerves from different regions of the pelvis and groin pass through the ganglion impar, including:
- Tailbone
- Vagina and vulva
- Scrotum
- Lower part of the urethra
- Anal region and rectum
A ganglion impar block is needed if you have lower pelvic or groin pain caused by a dysfunction or damage to the organs in that area. Although this is a conservative treatment, your spine specialist at OLSS may only recommend it if you have tried alternative ways of managing your pain. If the pain is not manageable and other methods have been exhausted, they may recommend it for you. Health conditions that may benefit from a ganglion impar block include:
- Coccydynia
- Low back pain
- Pinched nerve
- Vaginal or vulvar cancer
- Scrotal cancer
- Rectal or anal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Pain in the tailbone
- Pain from other close structures
During your ganglion impar block, a spine specialist at OLSS will begin the treatment by inserting a needle into the region near your tailbone, where your spine ends. They will then move the needle into the position in front of the sacrum and inject into the nerve intersection called the ganglion impar. Your pain should then subside because of the blocked pain signals from that area.
5 Reasons You Should Consider a Ganglion Impar Block
If the pain from your lower pelvic or groin region is impacting your ability to live your day-to-day life, it may be beneficial to consider a ganglion impar block to mitigate some of the discomfort you are experiencing. Benefits to a ganglion impar block include:
- A ganglion impar block is minimally invasive
- It is a simple and effective procedure
- It can be performed in minutes
- Offers powerful pain relief, 50-100% reduction in pain sensation
- Can treat multiple areas of pain simultaneously
The diagnostics of the procedure are generally performed twice to make certain that the ganglion impar is the source of your pain. Once the spinal specialist at OLSS has confirmed it is indeed the site of your discomfort, the ganglion impar block is performed and offers pain relief for several months at a time.
Speak with a Spine Specialist at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery
If you are experiencing intense pain from your lower pelvic and groin region that is impacting your ability to live your daily life, you may benefit from speaking to a spinal specialist at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery for a thorough evaluation of your back and spine condition. The award-winning medical team at OLSS will create a tailored treatment plan that is best for your unique needs.
At OLSS, we are proud to offer innovative, state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments for patients who are suffering from back and spine pain. We ensure that you have an extensive understanding of your condition and treatment options and have a quick, successful recovery post-treatment. Speak with a spine specialist today at (855) 853-6542, or fill out our contact form.