Pelvic pain can often be extremely challenging to treat. This type of pain may emanate from the colon, bladder, lower intestines, uterus or ovaries, prostate or testicles, or other parts of the pelvis. Pelvic pain can also be the result of endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, or cancer in the affected area.

The hypogastric plexus is a nerve bundle in the lumbar spine, which are effectively “blocked” using a targeted steroid injection known as a hypogastric plexus block. Blocking these nerves helps to prevent them from sending pain signals to the brain and is one of the recommended methods of treating pelvic pain.

The injection is performed with the assistance of x-ray guidance. Two small needles are placed in the lower spine area, adjacent to the hypogastric plexus. After local anesthetic is injected, a dye is introduced to confirm the correct placement. When confirmed, corticosteroid is injection to bathe the nerve and reduce inflammation.