If you have been living with chronic abdominal pain, you know all too well that it is more than just a physical sensation. It is an exhausting, daily hurdle that affects your mood, your energy, and your ability to enjoy a simple meal with your family. At the Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine, we see many patients who have “tried everything”: from restrictive diets to various medications: yet still find themselves doubled over in discomfort.

We want you to know that there is hope, and you don’t have to settle for a life defined by pain. One of the most effective tools we use to help our patients regain their quality of life is the splanchnic plexus block.

Whether you are visiting us in Bradenton, Sarasota, or St. Petersburg, our goal is to provide a compassionate environment where we find the root cause of your suffering. In this guide, we’ll explore five essential things you should know about this procedure and how it might be the key to your relief.

1. What Exactly is a Splanchnic Plexus Block?

To understand how this procedure works, it helps to think of your body’s nervous system like a complex highway of electrical wires. When an organ in your abdomen is damaged or inflamed, it sends “pain signals” along these wires to your brain. The splanchnic nerves are a specific set of nerves located on both sides of your spine that carry these signals from your internal organs.

A splanchnic plexus block is a minimally invasive treatment where we inject a local anesthetic (and sometimes a steroid) around these nerves. By doing this, we essentially “turn off” the signal. If the brain doesn’t receive the signal, you don’t feel the pain.

At the Ramos Center, we perform these interventional treatments for pain management using advanced imaging technology like fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) to ensure the medication is delivered with pinpoint accuracy. This focus on precision is what allows us to provide significant relief while keeping the procedure as safe as possible for you.

2. It Can Help with “Hard-to-Treat” Conditions

One of the reasons we are so passionate about the splanchnic plexus block is its ability to help patients who have struggled with very specific, difficult-to-manage conditions. Unlike general pain, upper abdominal pain is often deep and visceral, making it hard to target with standard oral medications.

We typically recommend this procedure for patients suffering from:

• Chronic Pancreatitis: This is perhaps the most common reason we perform this block. The inflammation of the pancreas can cause debilitating pain that radiates to the back.
• Abdominal Cancers: For those facing a cancer diagnosis, managing pain is a top priority for maintaining strength and spirit.
• Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS): A condition where a ligament in the diaphragm compresses the celiac artery and surrounding nerves.
• Post-Surgical Pain: Sometimes, even after a successful surgery, the nerves in the abdomen remain hypersensitive.

If you are located near Venice or Englewood and are dealing with these conditions, our team is ready to evaluate if this specialized block is the right next step for your multi-disciplinary pain management solution.

3. It’s Often More Effective Than a Celiac Plexus Block

You may have heard of a “celiac plexus block,” which is a similar procedure. However, the splanchnic plexus block is often considered a superior option for many of our patients.

Why? Because the splanchnic nerves are located slightly higher and further back from the organs. This anatomical position often allows for a more effective “blockage” of the pain signals. According to research published by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), targeting the splanchnic nerves can lead to longer-lasting relief and fewer side effects like low blood pressure, which can sometimes occur with celiac blocks.

We always take the time to discuss these differences with you during your consultation at any of our nine Florida locations, including Clearwater and Port Charlotte. We believe an informed patient is a more confident patient!

4. The Procedure is Quick and Minimally Invasive

We understand that the idea of a “nerve block” can sound intimidating. However, we want to reassure you that this is a routine, outpatient procedure designed with your comfort in mind.

When you arrive at one of our centers: perhaps our Lakewood Ranch or Arcadia offices: we will ensure you are comfortable. We often use a light sedative to help you relax. You will lie on your stomach, and we will numb the skin on your back with a local anesthetic. Using real-time X-ray guidance, we carefully place a thin needle near the splanchnic nerves and administer the medication.

The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes. Most of our patients are back on their feet and headed home within an hour or two. While you might feel some temporary soreness at the injection site, the potential for long-term relief far outweighs the brief discomfort of the procedure itself.

5. It Can Significantly Improve Your Quality of Life

The most rewarding part of our work at the Ramos Center is seeing the “before and after” in our patients’ lives. Studies have shown that roughly 67% of patients experience effective pain relief following a splanchnic plexus block.

For many, this relief lasts for several months, and in some cases, we can perform a “neurolytic” block that provides even longer-term results by safely interrupting the nerve pathway for an extended period. This can mean:

• Less reliance on heavy pain medications.
• Better sleep and improved appetite.
• The ability to return to work or hobbies you’ve missed.
• A brighter, more optimistic outlook on your health.

Whether you are seeking local pain relief or a comprehensive long-term plan, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the relief from a splanchnic plexus block last?
The duration of relief varies from person to person. A diagnostic block might last for a few weeks, while a therapeutic or neurolytic block can provide relief for several months. We will monitor your progress closely to determine the best schedule for your needs.

Are there any side effects?
The procedure is very safe. Some patients may experience temporary diarrhea or a slight drop in blood pressure immediately following the injection, but these usually resolve quickly. We will discuss your full medical history to minimize any risks.

Do I need a referral to see a doctor at the Ramos Center?
While many of our patients are referred by their primary care physicians or specialists, we welcome you to call us directly at (941) 708-9555 to discuss your symptoms and schedule an evaluation.

Take the First Step Toward Relief Today

Chronic abdominal pain doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” At the Ramos Center, we are dedicated to using every tool in our arsenal: from the splanchnic plexus block to physical therapy and lifestyle coaching: to help you feel like yourself again.

If you’re ready to explore a more compassionate, effective approach to your pain, we invite you to reach out to us. We’re conveniently located across West Florida to serve you better.

📍 Ramos Center Locations

• Bradenton: 100 3rd Ave. West, Suite 210, Bradenton, FL 34205
• Sarasota: 2540 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
• Venice: 836 Sunset Lake Blvd, Suite 101, Venice, FL 34292
• Englewood: 2061 Englewood Rd., Suite 2A, Englewood, FL 34223
• Port Charlotte: 3005 Caring Way, Suite 1, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Clearwater: 2424 Enterprise Rd., Suite C, Clearwater, FL 33763
• St. Petersburg: 5959 Central Ave., Suite 101, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
• Lakewood Ranch: 7305 Professional Parkway E., Sarasota, FL 34240
• Arcadia: 938 N. Mills Ave., Arcadia, FL 34266

Call us today to schedule your consultation: (941) 708-9555 or visit our pain relief centers near me page to learn more.