What Conditions Can It Help Treat?
Lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks are commonly used to treat a range of conditions, particularly those involving nerve pain or circulation issues in the lower body. These include:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Pain or discomfort in the legs or feet
- Conditions that cause inflammation or narrowing of blood vessels
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Neuropathic pain
- Active shingles
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
This procedure tends to be more effective when used early in the course of treatment. For many people, it can reduce pain enough to avoid the need for surgery or stronger medications.
What to Expect from the Procedure
The injection is a relatively quick outpatient procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes. Before the injection, your care team may use imaging, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to precisely locate the nerve cluster responsible for your symptoms. This ensures that the medication is delivered to the right place, improving the chances of success.
The injection often contains a local anesthetic to numb the area and stop the nerve from sending pain signals. In some cases, additional medications like steroids, epinephrine, or clonidine may be added to extend the relief. The exact mix depends on your overall health, the cause of your pain, and how severe it is.
Most patients feel relief soon after the injection—sometimes within minutes. While some people need only one treatment, others may require a series of injections spaced over time. Typically, your provider will begin with a single injection and then evaluate how well it worked before deciding whether to continue the series. On average, patients may need between four and six injections, though some might require more depending on their response.
Why Choose a Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block?
This approach offers a non-surgical way to manage nerve pain and improve quality of life. It’s especially valuable for people looking to reduce or eliminate pain without relying on long-term medications. Because it’s minimally invasive and typically well-tolerated, it’s a good first step before considering more intensive treatments like surgery.
If chronic lower body pain is affecting your daily life, a lumbar sympathetic nerve block may be a safe and effective option to explore with your care team.