Block for Pain

One of the fastest-growing schools of therapy in the U.S. is based on pain-killing as the complete cure for many ills. Its chief method: a comparatively new technique of anesthesia known as "nerve block." Out last week was a new text (Conduction Anesthesia; Lippincott; $15) which held that nerve block is often the cure for sprains & fractures, hiccups, headaches, frostbite, sciatica, neuralgia, a score of other painful disorders.

The massive work (961 pages) is based on researches by topnotch medicos on both sides of the Atlantic (notably those of the late Dr. George P. Pitkin in New Jersey hospitals).*

The theory behind nerve block therapy: many ills and pains are aggravated and prolonged by blood vessel spasms. To stop the spasms, anesthetize the nerves that control them. Surgeons use two types of nerve-blocking injections: i) novocaine, a temporary anesthetic--designed to break up the spasm cycle; 2) alcohol, which stops pain permanently by destroying part of the nerve (a substitute for nerve-cutting). Some results:

SPRAINS. For a sprained ankle, the painful area is anesthetized and the patient walks as soon as he can; exercise tends to speed the cure (patients can walk normally in two weeks or less). Drawback: the daily injections are painful.

BROKEN BONES. In simple fractures of the ribs, collarbone and some other bones, anesthesia of the neighboring area with novocaine is often the only treatment needed. The bones heal almost painlessly without splints, bandages or much interference with the patient's normal activity.

HICCUPS. Persistent, exhausting hiccups can be stopped cold by a novocaine injection that temporarily paralyzes the diaphragm.

CAUSALGIA. This mysterious ailment, resulting from wounds near a nerve or blood vessel, causes excruciating, burning pains. In "major" causalgia, the patient is completely disabled, screams with pain at a touch or a sudden noise. In "minor" causalgia, the patient, months after a minor cut or infection has healed, may suffer severe pains without visible cause. Nerve block with novocaine or alcohol gives quick relief.

TIC DOULOUREUX, "one of the most painful conditions, to which the flesh is heir," can be relieved by alcohol injections.

TWITCHING. Another peculiar disorder that causes uncontrollable twitching of the face muscles has defied cure. But surgeons have found that they can stop the twitching by blocking the facial nerve with alcohol. There are drawbacks. The patient must decide whether he prefers i) a twitching face, or 2) one permanently deadpan (i.e., paralyzed).

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.