Ganglion of Impar Injections at Pain Management Services
Our body’s communication system is built on the back of organic pathways known as nerves. These nerves serve as the highway along which sensation and information are transmitted to the brain. When multiple nerves intersect at one point in the body, this area is known as a ganglion. The ganglion of impar is one of these junctions that transmits certain types of pain from the groin and lower pelvis. A ganglion of impar injection is used to address pain that originates from the tailbone, rectum, anus, urethra, and vagina.
How Ganglion of Impar Injections Can Ease Tailbone Pain
At the base of your lumbar vertebrae at the base of your back is found the triangular bone known as the sacrum. Just beneath this bone can be found our tailbone, medically known as the coccyx. The ganglion of impar is found situated in front of the sacrum and is the point at which nerves from the groin and lower pelvis pass on the way to the brain.
Some of the nerves that pass through this point originate in:
- Base of the rectum
- Anal region
- Base of the urethra
- Vagina and vulva
- Scrotum
- Tailbone
In the course of the procedure, your provider will insert a needle near your coccyx near the top of your buttocks. The needle will carefully be navigated to a position in the anterior or front area of the sacrum using fluoroscopy or x-ray guidance. Medicine will be injected around the ganglion of impar to block the passage of pain signals from this area to your brain.
This procedure is a treatment for groin and lower pelvic pain resulting from damage to dysfunction in the organs of this area. It’s often suggested when other forms of pain relief have proven unsuccessful.
Ganglion of impar blocks are used when the pain originates from the following causes:
- Vaginal or vulvar cancer
- Scrotal cancer
- Rectal or anal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Pain in the tailbone
- Rectal pain, or pain from other close structures
Ganglion of impar blocks are also used to help diagnose the origin of pain. This is accomplished by injecting an anesthetic into the area to see if it eases the pain. If your pain lessens, it indicates that the source of the pain has been identified.
Like any medical treatment, there are some potential complications that can occur with this procedure.
The most commonly reported issues include:
- Damage to nearby organs
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the medicine or medicines
While most patients experience some degree of relief, there is the possibility that the treatment will prove ineffective.
Reach Out To Pain Management Services For More Info
If you’re wondering if a ganglion of impar injection may be able to address your pain, reach out to our Pain Management Offices. You’ll be given a date for an appointment with one of our physicians to determine how your pain can be addressed.
