Treatments

Chronic Abdominal Pain Relief with Celiac Plexus Blocks

Chronic abdominal pain can make everyday life really difficult and even simple tasks like eating, sleeping, or sitting comfortably can feel exhausting.  That’s where Celiac Plexus Blocks come in. Celiac Plexus Blocks are a non-surgical treatment option that can offer serious relief.

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we offer advanced pain treatments like this to help people feel more like themselves again.

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What’s a Celiac Plexus Block?

It’s a simple, image-guided procedure that targets a group of nerves called the celiac plexus which are the ones sending pain signals from your upper abdomen. By injecting a mix of numbing medication and anti-inflammatories near those nerves, we can help reduce or even stop the pain.

Celiac Plexus Blocks are commonly used to treat:

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Abdominal cancers (like pancreatic, liver, or stomach cancer)
• IBS or IBD
• Post-surgery abdominal pain

It’s really helpful for people who haven’t found relief with medications or want to avoid relying on opioids.

‍Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

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Could This Help You?

You might be a good fit for this treatment if:

• You’re living with constant upper abdominal pain
• You’ve been diagnosed with pancreatitis, abdominal cancer, or digestive conditions
• Pain is interfering with your daily life
• You want to reduce your use of prescription pain meds
• Other treatments haven’t worked

Not sure if it’s right for you? No worries, our specialists will help you decide.

‍Explore other non-surgical pain treatments for abdominal pain management.

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How is a  Celiac Plexus Block performed?

Step 1: Before the Procedure
We’ll start with a full evaluation, including scans (MRI, CT, or fluoroscopy) to figure out exactly where your pain is coming from. Most patients get a mild sedative to keep them relaxed.

Step 2: The Injection
Using imaging guidance, a thin needle is carefully placed near your spine. Then we inject the medication near the celiac plexus to block the pain signals. The whole thing usually takes around 30 - 45 minutes.

Step 3: Aftercare & Recovery
Most people go home the same day. You might feel a little sore at the injection site, but that usually goes away quickly. Relief can start within a few hours or days  and it often lasts for weeks or even months. Some patients come back for repeat treatments to keep the pain away long-term.

Learn more about epidural steroid injections for managing spinal and nerve pain.

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Why Choose a Celiac Plexus Block?

• It’s fast-acting - many people feel better within a day or two
• It’s minimally invasive - no surgery required
• It helps reduce or even eliminate the need for opioids
• It makes everyday activities more manageable again

Read about other pain management techniques available at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

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What to Expect Long-Term

For many people, a single injection brings pain relief that lasts several weeks or months. If needed, follow-up injections can help you extend those results. For cancer patients in particular, this treatment can make a big difference in comfort and quality of life.

If pain continues, we also offer other options like radiofrequency ablation, which may provide even longer-lasting results.

‍Learn more about radiofrequency ablation for pain relief.

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FAQs

How long does the relief last?
It depends on the cause of the pain, but many patients feel better for weeks or months.

Are there any side effects?
Most are mild things like temporary soreness, slight dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure.

How many injections will I need?
Some people get long-term relief from just one. Others may need a few over time.

Is it covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes especially if it’s considered medically necessary. Our team can help you figure out your coverage.

Why Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists?

We specialize in advanced pain management techniques that work  not just temporarily, but long-term.

• Our doctors are experts in Celiac Plexus Blocks and perform them with skill and precision
• We use imaging tools to guide the procedure safely
• Our whole approach is focused on non-surgical options, tailored to your specific condition

If you’re ready to explore relief that actually works, we’re here to help.