Two anesthesiologists debated using nerve blocks to treat chronic pain at the Canadian Pain Society's 2011 Annual Meeting, according to an Anesthesiology News report.
John Clark, MD, professor of anesthesia at Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine and medical director of pain services at Capital Health in Halifax, Nova Scotia, argued that nerve blocks are ineffective, citing 2007 American Academy of Neurology guidelines of cervical radiculopathy that do not recommend nerve blocks to treat the condition.
He added that the guidelines cite studies that show nerve blocks do not impact functional impairment, need for surgery or pain relief beyond a three-month period.
Norm Buckley, MD, professor and chair of anesthesia at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, said nerve blocks can be used to treat radiculopathy and can provide a convenient alternative to daily pills or regular injections. He responded to the AAN guidelines by saying the organization is oriented away from procedures and toward noninterventional management — in part because neurologists do not perform interventions.
The two anesthesiologists agreed on one point, according to the report — that serious complications can occur with interventions and that multidisciplinary care is preferable for pain patients.
Read the Anesthesiology News report on nerve blocks for chronic pain.
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John Clark, MD, professor of anesthesia at Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine and medical director of pain services at Capital Health in Halifax, Nova Scotia, argued that nerve blocks are ineffective, citing 2007 American Academy of Neurology guidelines of cervical radiculopathy that do not recommend nerve blocks to treat the condition.
He added that the guidelines cite studies that show nerve blocks do not impact functional impairment, need for surgery or pain relief beyond a three-month period.
Norm Buckley, MD, professor and chair of anesthesia at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, said nerve blocks can be used to treat radiculopathy and can provide a convenient alternative to daily pills or regular injections. He responded to the AAN guidelines by saying the organization is oriented away from procedures and toward noninterventional management — in part because neurologists do not perform interventions.
The two anesthesiologists agreed on one point, according to the report — that serious complications can occur with interventions and that multidisciplinary care is preferable for pain patients.
Read the Anesthesiology News report on nerve blocks for chronic pain.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Anesthesiologists May Find ACO Opportunity in Surgical Homes
Anesthesiologist on the Move: Dr. Kevin Finkel Joins Hospital of Central Connecticut
Blood Pressure Medication Could Decrease Mortality Rates for Surgical Patients