Pain Management in the Low Resource Setting

Abstract

The use of nerve blocks as part of the evaluation and treatment of the patient in pain represents a reasonable next step if a careful targeted history and physical examination and radiographic, neurophysiological, and laboratory testing is not available or if these modalities are available but fail to provide a clear diagnosis. Since most nerve blocks can be performed without the use of radiographic guidance, these useful techniques can safely be performed in the low resource setting. Common nerve blocks that are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of pain include intercostal nerve block, celiac plexus block, stellate ganglion block, and greater occipital nerve block.