Dorsal Root Ganglion Block

Sympathectomy reduces mechanical allodynia, tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression, and dorsal root ganglion apoptosis following nerve root crush injury

STUDY DESIGN: An analysis of pain behavior and neuronal apoptosis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following crush injury to the L5 nerve root, with or without surgical sympathectomy. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether sympathectomy prevents pain behavior and to compare pain behavior with expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and apoptosis in the DRG. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Sympathetic block is used to relieve symptoms in radiculopathy patients. One effect of the block is improvement of blood flow to the nerve. However, this beneficial effect continues longer than the expected duration of local anesthesia, suggesting an unknown neuroprotective effect involving interference with sympathetic activity. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 102) were used and divided into 4 experimental groups. In the crush group, animals received a crush injury to the L5 nerve root. In the sympathectomy group, animals received sympathectomy (Syx) on the left side. In the Syx + crush group, both sympathectomy and crush injury were performed. In the sham group, the surgical procedure was the same, but neither sympathectomy nor crush injury took place. Mechanical allodynia was determined in 4 groups. Expression of TNF-alpha was compared in rats with crush injury, with and without sympathectomy. Using immunostaining for caspase 3, NeuN, and GFAP, localization of apoptotic cells was observed. In addition, we compared the percentage of neurons undergoing apoptosis in the DRG. RESULTS: Sympathectomy prevented mechanical allodynia throughout the 14-day experimental period. TNF-alpha expression was increased in the DRG following crush-only injury, whereas it was decreased in animals undergoing sympathectomy after the crush injury. DRG apoptosis in the crush group was significantly higher than in the sympathectomy group at day 7 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical sympathectomy reduced mechanical allodynia for 14 days after nerve root crush injury, and that DRG apoptosis was decreased in injured animals that underwent sympathectomy. Sympathetic block may not only cause an increase in nerve blood flow, but may also prevent the development of significant TNF-alpha elevation, DRG apoptosis, and neuropathic pain Keywords : analysis,Anesthesia,Animals,antagonists & inhibitors,Apoptosis,biosynthesis,blood,Caspase 3,Female,Ganglia,Spinal,Gene Expression Regulation,genetics,injuries,metabolism,methods,Necrosis,Nerve Crush,Neurons,Pain,Pain Measurement,Patients,Physical Stimulation,physiology,Radiculopathy,Rats,Rats,Sprague-Dawley,surgery,Sympathectomy,Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha,, Reduces,Mechanical,Allodynia,Tumor,Necrosis, lower back pain while standing

Date of Publication : 2008 May 15

Authors : Sekiguchi M;Kobayashi H;Sekiguchi Y;Konno S;Kikuchi S;

Organisation : Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan. miho-s@fmu.ac.jp

Journal of Publication : Spine (Phila Pa 1976 )

Pubmed Link : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18469688

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2022-06-10

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2022-06-08

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2022-06-06

Sciatica My mother was in absolute agony for more than 3 months due to sciatica. It just came out of nowhere and took her out of action. From working full time she went straight to being bed bound and unable to carry out simplest of actions.The pain was 9/10 and she was bed bound for those three months. Multiple trips to A&E and GP and they wouldn't class it as an emergency therefore they wouldn't do anything about it other than upgrading the painkillers which did next to nothing for my mother. I couldn't bear to watch my mother sleeping on A&E bench in pain for 7 hours, just to be told by doctors that she wouldn't be kept in. I remember her joining her hands and begging the doctors to stop the pain which broke my heart. I then started doing research on google and London spine unit came up with Dr Mo AKMAL's profile and review. First meeting with Dr AKMAL was via ZOOM as my mother was bed bound. Dr AKMAL spoke to me and my mom and told us that this is nothing to worry about and that the pain would be 100% gone.Dr AKMAL assured us to visit the hospital so he could physically inspect my mother and give us the best solution. One trip to the london spine unit and Dr AKMAL advised us that the best solution would be to carry out Minimally invasive disectomy. Dr AKMAL advised that due to my mother being bed bound for a while, steroid injection might not give the result that my mother wishes. Dr AKMAL was very confident and showed us some videos from other patients who had gone through the same ordeal. The biggest thing i noticed between before and after was the smile on the patients face. Dr AKMAL was constantly assuring my mother throughout the meeting that he would take care of her pain and gave her 100% confidence that the result would be delivered.He promised her that she would be walking pain free the same day after the operation. Before the operation Dr GURUNG was consulted multiple times and he also was very helpful. Right after the surgery, as Dr AKMAL promised, my mother was walking and the biggest thing was that the pain was gone. My mother had forgotten to smile for three months and there i saw her smiling again. Dr AKMAL and Dr GURUNG gave us brilliant aftercare and informed us that just give them a ring if there was any issue. Its been several weeks now and my mother is heading towards complete recovery without any issues. The pain is completely gone and anyone who is reading this going through the same horrible sciatica pain you must come and see Dr AKMAL. Thank you Dr AKMAL and your whole team for helping my mom achieve this pain free life.

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2022-05-18

Extraordinary Care My 81 year old mother who has retired in Ghana was suffering from severe lower back pain so a local surgeon put her through discectomy with hardware (spine screws). The procedure was essentially botched, with one screw breaching her spinal canal resulting in extreme pain; unable to walk, pins and needles and numbness in the left leg. The hardware subsequently had become infected and loosened as a result. Her life after this surgery was the worse she has ever experienced in all her life. She had no doubt that she was eventually to die from the infection and pain. Fortunately, through diligent search, we found Mr Akmal and his team at The UK Spine Centre. She had a zoom consultation and with a ready MRI and CT scan, Mr Akmal knew exactly how to have her back to fitness and a better quality of life. She travelled to England on 26 March 2022 and had the surgery on 11 April 2022. It was a day-case. It lasted no more than 1 hour 30 minutes. She was on my feet within 2 hours pain free - still pain free 5 weeks on! To her this is simply a miracle ! She is grateful to Jehovah God for Mr Akmal and his team - thoroughly professional bunch at the top of their game. No one deserves to suffer the pain she experienced for two years. She seriously recommends Mr Akmal and his team for anything SPINE!

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2022-05-18

Bilateral discectomy and dynamic stabilisation for complete foot drop From the first phone call, the team at London Spine have been amazing. I had severe symptoms following an L4/L5 disc injury from playing sports and had complete foot drop. Mr Akmal and his team treated the situation incredibly sensitively, as I had risk of permanent damage. The whole process was so quick, from initial consultation to operation was about 96 hours. On the day of the operation, the nurses couldn’t have been more helpful, attentive and calming. The surgery was flawless, with absolutely zero pain from the operation following. I am now 8 weeks from a bi-lateral discectomy and dynamic stabilisation procedure and have regained full use of my leg and toes, with a complete range of motion also. Mr Akmal’s aftercare has been first class, with regular calls from his team in the 2 weeks following the surgery, to the final consultation and discharge. Thanks so much for giving me my life back

2022-05-09

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2022-04-22

I had a massive bulging disk on my back… I had a massive bulging disk on my back compressing my nerve for three years. It caused me excruciating pain and almost left me disabled. I was on both crutches and completely homebound due to the severity of pain and mobility limitations. I had my lumber surgery two weeks ago and walked out of hospital within a few hours pain free on my right leg that was almost paralysing prior to surgery. The disk was shaved off releasing the nerve completely. Two days after surgery I had excruciating pain on my head that is unexplained as I had CT scan and MRI which were all fine. Dr Akmal has suggested it could be from the anaesthetic. I am extremely grateful to Dr Akmal and his very welcoming and cari g team. I would highly recommend his clinic as I have had excellent recovery.

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2022-04-02

Thank you Mr Aklam After having a poor and very slow experiance in glasgow . I contacted Mr mo Amlam . Who is a true gentleman, great listener and paitent . We transfered my scans and treatments from glasgow to harley street . Mr Aklams p.a arranged a quick zoom to start our contact .I then went down for a meeting and examination and what should have been a spec scan .only to be told of a UK shortage . So 4 weeks later the scan took place in wellington hospital . Before I traveled back to glasgow. 5 days later I got a call to book me in to 19 harley street for a l3 and l4 debridement and stabilisation. The opp took place on 24th March. 2hours I was out walking 4 hours later . My pain in back groin and foot was all gone .thanks to Mr aklam . Top of his craft but more importantly pouts his patients first .he really wants to help you get better. Thank you so much Mr Robert harvey

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2022-03-22

Amazing service and an amazing treatment! I can't thank Mr Akmal and team at the London Spine Unit enough for their help. I had a herniated disc in my back which was causing pain and restrictions. Compared to other offers of surgery (e.g. several nights in hospital), the day surgery and minimally invasive procedure were hugely appealing. I am now 3 weeks post surgery, have no pain and am recovering incredibly quickly if I compare myself to friends who have had a similar procedure. it was truly remarkable, straightforward and the team were kind, friendly and always helpful. very highly recommended!

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2022-03-17

Great service and painless procedure Great service and painless procedure. Definitely alleviated the pain

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Sympathectomy reduces mechanical allodynia, tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression, and dorsal root ganglion apoptosis following nerve root crush injury | Chiropractor london bridge