Overview:
- A lumbar sympathetic block has two functions; it can be used to diagnose a pain condition, treat a pain condition, or do both.
- This injection therapy is often used to diagnose and treat neuropathic pain in the mid-to-lower extremities, such as the low back, legs, and feet.
- In this blog, the pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain Consultants explain the purpose of a lumbar sympathetic block.
Neuropathy, or nerve pain, is a chronic condition that typically causes burning or tingling pain in an affected area (i.e. lower extremities, upper extremities, low back, etc.). Cases of neuropathy may produce symptoms that range from a mild, dull pain to severe pain caused by light stimuli, such as a soft wind or light fabric brushing up against the skin.
A lumbar sympathetic block is both a diagnostic procedure and treatment that mitigates neuropathic pain in the low back, legs, and feet. It uses a local anesthetic and pain-relieving medication to provide relief that lasts longer than most pain medications. A lumbar sympathetic block is usually injected into the lumbar sympathetic nerves, which are nerves located in the low back. This bundle of nerves carries signals to the lower extremities, including pain signals.
Patients with a neuropathic pain condition such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or reflex sympathetic dystrophy, often benefit from this minimally invasive procedure. Nevertheless, before this treatment is administered for pain care purposes, a physician will put a local anesthetic into the syringe to begin the diagnostic part of the process.
During the diagnostic procedure, a patient is either lying on their stomach or sitting upright with their lower back exposed. Once the low back has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, the physician will inject the local anesthetic based on the patient’s reported symptoms. Several injections may be administered to determine the source of a patient’s pain. Patients generally experience immediate pain relief after the area has been located and identified as the source of pain.
If the diagnostic procedure is successful, the physician will mix a pain relieving medication with the local anesthetic and administer the injection as a long lasting treatment. Depending on the patient’s condition and symptoms, he or she may receive a number of injections each year.
To learn more about lumbar sympathetic blocks, call Tulsa Pain Consultants today! We can schedule an appointment between you and one of our pain management specialists to diagnose and treat your pain condition. Call today!
Tulsa Pain Consultants is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.