Lumbar Sympathetic Block

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Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Definition

The lumbar sympathetic block can be used diagnostically to determine the source of a patient's chronic pain and to treat neuropathic leg pain. A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection therapy that contains a steroid and anesthetic solution, and it is usually administered in the lumbar spine. While this treatment option is designed to mitigate leg pain, the nerve block must be injected into the spine to block pain signals being sent from sympathetic nerves to the legs. The procedure is relatively short; only lasting up to 30 minutes, and it can provide relief from neuropathic pain symptoms including tingling, weakness, shooting pain, and more.

Procedure

When a patient comes to Tulsa Pain for a lumbar sympathetic block, he or she must lie on his or her stomach so the physician can cleanse the low back region using an antiseptic solution. This step in the treatment process is necessary to minimize the risk of infection. Once the area is properly sterilized, the patient is given a local anesthetic to numb the low back. If necessary, the physician may use a fluoroscope, a device similar to an X-ray machine with real-time feedback, to confirm that the injection solutions are going into the correct location in the lumbar spine. This is done by first injecting a contrast dye that is specifically made to light up on the physician's monitor. Once the position is confirmed, the physician can inject a solution of soothing anti-inflammatory medication and anesthesia. Finally, the patient is bandaged and he or she is given post-operative instructions before returning home the same day.

This procedure is typically performed to treat pain, but if the source of the patient's pain is not known, a lumbar sympathetic block can be administered for diagnostic purposes. If the patient experiences pain relief after the procedure, the physician can confirm that the pain is coming from the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar spine.

After Care

After a lumbar sympathetic block, many patients feel comfortable returning to work the next day and resuming normal daily activities. However, the patient’s low back area may become increasingly sore and tender as the anesthesia wears off, so patients may want to rest for at least 24 hours before returning to certain activities. Patients may begin to experience pain relief within 3-7 days of the initial injection. The lumbar sympathetic block is not a cure for sciatica or other types of neuropathic pain. The results from this injection vary from patient to patient, but following the procedure, patients may experience relief for several months. The procedure can be repeated once the effects of the treatment wear off. 

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