Impar Block

Pain Management Treatments in Texas

An impar block is a type of injection that can be used to treat pain in the lower pelvis and groin. It involves injecting a local anesthetic or steroid medication into the ganglion impar, which is a cluster of nerve cells located at the base of the spine.

The ganglion impar is responsible for transmitting pain signals from the lower pelvis and groin to the brain. By blocking the ganglion impar, the injection can interrupt these pain signals and provide temporary relief.

Impar blocks are typically used to treat pain caused by these conditions:

Coccydynia: Pain in the tailbone.
Pudendal neuralgia: Pain in the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the genitals and perineum.
Vulvodynia: Chronic pain in the vulva, the external female genitals.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: Pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and surrounding pelvic area.

How is an impar block performed?

Impar blocks are typically performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Before the procedure, patients are asked to lie on their stomach on an X-ray table. The area where the injection will be given is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

The doctor will then use a fluoroscope—a type of X-ray machine—to guide a thin needle to the ganglion impar. Once the needle is in place, the doctor injects a local anesthetic and/or steroid medication.

The local anesthetic numbs the nerves in the ganglion impar, which will temporarily relieve pain. The steroid medication will reduce inflammation and may provide longer-lasting pain relief.

What are the benefits of an impar block?

Impar blocks can provide several benefits, including:

Pain relief: Impar blocks can provide temporary or long-lasting pain relief for a variety of pain conditions in the lower pelvis and groin.
Improved quality of life: Impar blocks can help people with chronic pain in the lower pelvis and groin to live more active and fulfilling lives.
Reduced need for medication: Impar blocks can help people to reduce their reliance on pain medication for chronic pain in the lower pelvis and groin.
Avoidance of surgery: Impar blocks can be an effective alternative to surgery for some people with chronic pain in the lower pelvis and groin.

What are the risks of an impar block?

Impar blocks are generally safe procedures. However, there are a few potential risks.

Infection: Infection can occur if the injection site is not properly sterilized.
Bleeding: Bleeding can occur if the needle damages a blood vessel.
Nerve damage: Nerve damage can occur if the needle is not placed correctly.
Temporary weakness or numbness: The local anesthetic may cause temporary weakness or numbness in the area where the injection is given.

What can you expect after an impar block?

After an impar block, patients may experience some temporary discomfort at the injection site. They may also experience some temporary numbness or weakness in the area where the injection was given.

Patients are typically able to go home after the procedure. However, they may need to have someone drive them home because the local anesthetic may impair coordination.

Patients should avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. They should also avoid taking any blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin, for 24 hours after the procedure.

Conclusion

Impar blocks can be an effective treatment for a variety of pain conditions in the lower pelvis and groin. They're generally a safe procedure with few risks.

If you experience chronic pain in the lower pelvis or groin and would like to know if the impar block is right for you, make an appointment with us. We'll perform a full evaluation and create a treatment program for your unique situation.