Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block Injection

What are Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block Injections?

A lumbar sympathetic nerve block targets the sympathetic nerves in the lower back that are often involved in chronic leg pain and conditions like CRPS. Under fluoroscopic or CT guidance, a local anesthetic is injected near the lumbar spine to interrupt the pain signals traveling through these nerves. The procedure can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief.

Find relief from nerve-driven leg pain—quickly and precisely.

Reasons For Treatment

  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Chronic leg or foot pain
  • Poor circulation or vascular pain in the lower extremities
  • Nerve pain after trauma or surgery
  • Diagnostic tool for sympathetic nerve involvement
  • Failed response to other conservative treatments

How To Prepare

You may be asked to fast for 6 hours before the procedure if sedation is used. Wear comfortable clothing and arrange for a ride home. Inform your provider of all medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes medications. Avoid lotions or creams near the injection site.

What To Expect After Treatment

You may notice warmth, color changes, or increased sweating in the affected leg—these are signs the block is working. Pain relief may be immediate or take a few days. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day. Contact your provider if numbness, weakness, or signs of infection occur.

Possible Side Effects

  • Temporary numbness or weakness in the leg
  • Drop in blood pressure
  • Mild discomfort or bruising at the injection site
  • Allergic reaction (rare)
  • Infection (rare)
  • Urinary retention (temporary)

Herniated Disc Care

At Legacy Integrative Pain Institute, Dr. Ye leads a dedicated team of specialists offering innovative, comprehensive treatment for herniated discs. By combining advanced interventional therapies with holistic methods, including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, the team creates personalized care plans to address the root causes of pain and promote long-term healing.

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