Procedure Description
A lumbar sympathetic nerve block is a minimally invasive injection used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the sympathetic nervous system in the lower back and legs. The sympathetic nerves regulate blood flow, temperature, and pain perception, and when they become overactive or damaged, they can cause persistent, burning pain and other symptoms.
This block involves injecting a local anesthetic (and sometimes steroid) near the lumbar sympathetic chain—a group of nerves located in the front part of the spine in the lower back. The goal is to temporarily interrupt pain signals, improve circulation, and reduce symptoms.
What It Treats
A lumbar sympathetic block is commonly used to treat:
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the leg or foot
Sympathetically mediated pain
Peripheral vascular disease-related pain
Phantom limb pain
Diabetic or postherpetic neuralgia
Chronic pain after leg surgery or trauma
Symptoms that may benefit include:
Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the leg or foot
Skin color changes, swelling, or temperature differences
Increased sensitivity to touch (allodynia)
This procedure can be both diagnostic (to confirm the sympathetic nervous system’s involvement) and therapeutic (to relieve symptoms).
How It Is Performed
You will lie on your stomach on a procedure table.
The skin over your lower back is cleansed and numbed with local anesthetic.
Using fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT guidance, a thin needle is advanced to the side of the lumbar vertebrae (usually L2–L4), near the sympathetic chain.
A small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm correct placement.
A local anesthetic (and sometimes corticosteroid) is then injected to block the sympathetic nerves.
The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours if sedation is planned.
You may be asked to pause blood thinners before the procedure—follow your provider’s instructions.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have allergies to contrast dye, anesthetics, or steroids
Have an active infection or fever
Arrange for someone to drive you home, especially if sedation is used.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may feel immediate warmth or improved circulation in the affected leg or foot.
Temporary pain relief may occur within minutes to hours. If the sympathetic nerves are involved, this confirms the diagnosis and supports additional treatments.
Mild soreness or bruising at the injection site may occur and typically resolves in 1–2 days.
If successful, the procedure may be repeated or followed by radiofrequency ablation or chemical neurolysis for longer-lasting relief.
Most patients return to light activity within 24 hours.
Call your provider if you experience:
Fever, chills, or signs of infection
Increased leg pain, weakness, or numbness
Difficulty urinating or any unusual neurological symptoms
Restore Circulation and Calm Nerve Pain at Its Source
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we offer advanced procedures like the lumbar sympathetic nerve block to help patients with chronic leg or foot pain, CRPS, or nerve-related vascular issues. This targeted approach may provide the breakthrough relief you’ve been seeking.
👉 Schedule a consultation today to learn if a lumbar sympathetic block is right for your condition.