Lumbar Sympathetic Block

What is a Lumbar Sympathetic Nerve Block?

The Lumbar Sympathetic Block (LSB) is a specialized procedure performed by Pain Management Specialist to help block the abnormal pain signal related with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). The pain associated with CRPS usually travels from a painful leg or ankle to the lumbar sympathetic nervous system. During the procedure the Pain Specialist will carefully place a needle in the necessary area, most commonly with Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. Once the needle is in place a local anesthetic (numbing agent) is injected along the sympathetic nerves. If the pain signal is traveling through this pathway then the procedure will cause significant pain relief. Pain relief may last from several hours to longer term (depending on medications used), but a series of injections may be needed to obtain maximum benefit. It may be helpful to have physical therapy along with you injections in order to achieve the best outcomes. Recovery after the procedure is usually 30-45 minutes and after this time frame the patient is discharged with appropriate instructions to an accompanying adult who will drive the patient home. There may be temporary warmth and flushing in the leg following the procedure which is usually normal. You will be given a pain diary to keep track of the effectiveness of the block.

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