Lumbar Sympathetic Block

This procedure is an injection that numbs branches of nerves in your lower back. It helps doctors find and treat a number of problems linked to these nerves. Usually, a series of injections is needed to treat a problem.

The sympathetic nerves travel along both sides of your spine. They are associated with a wide range of functions that you don’t consciously control. These include your circulation, digestion and sweat production.

In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your stomach or your side. You are given medicine to make you feel relaxed. The skin and tissue at the injection site is numbed. The physician inserts a needle and carefully guides it to the sympathetic nerves. The physician typically uses an x-ray device called a fluoroscope which shows a video image of the needle’s position. Contrast dye may be injected to help confirm that the needle is placed correctly.

Next, the physician injects soothing medicine which bathes the nerves. It can numb the nerves and reduce inflammation. If these nerves have been a source of pain, the medicine can relieve it. When the procedure is complete, the needle is removed and the injection site is covered with a bandage.