Lumbar Sympathetic Block

A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection of medication in the lower back. It may be used to treat a variety of painful conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome, vascular insufficiency, shingles pain, phantom limb pain, and peripheral neuropathy.

The procedure involves injecting an anesthetic (pain reliever) and sometimes a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory medicine) into a nerve bundle in the sympathetic nerves. These nerves are located on either side of your spine. They are involved in "fight or flight" responses and control functions like sweating, heart rate, and blood pressure. These nerves sometimes send unwarranted pain signals after an injury has healed.

How is a lumbar sympathetic block administered?

You may be given intravenous medication to help you relax but will be awake during the procedure. You'll lie facedown, and your doctor will numb your back with a local anesthetic. Then, using fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray) for guidance, the doctor will insert a needle into your back and inject a dye to help determine that the medication will go where it needs to be. Next, the doctor will inject the medication.

What happens after the procedure?

You should be able to go home within an hour of the procedure, but you must have someone to drive you or ride with you if you take a cab. You can eat and take any medications you need afterward, but you shouldn't exercise that day. Although some patients get relief from just one injection, most people need a series of two to ten injections for longer-term relief.

What are the risks?

Risks may include muscle pain in your back and temporary weakness or numbness in the legs. Serious complications, including bleeding, infection, and nerve damage, are rare.

Is a lumbar sympathetic block right for you?

If you suffer from complex regional pain syndrome, vascular insufficiency, shingles pain, phantom limb pain, peripheral neuropathy or some other painful conditions, your doctor may recommend a lumbar sympathetic block.

If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Ph | (702) 936-3669

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