Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks in Louisiana
A lumbar sympathetic block is an injection that numbs a group of nerves in your lower back that influence pain, blood flow, and temperature in the legs. It helps providers diagnose and treat nerve-related pain problems, and a series of injections is usually recommended. LA Pain Doctor performs lumbar sympathetic blocks for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are the Lumbar Sympathetic Nerves?
The lumbar sympathetic nerves run along the front of the spine in the lower back. They are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which automatically controls blood vessel size, sweating, and skin temperature in the legs and feet. In some conditions, these nerves become overactive and help keep pain signals going long after an injury has healed. Blocking them can interrupt that cycle.
Conditions That May Respond
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) affecting the leg or foot
- Peripheral Neuropathy and other nerve pain in the legs
- Phantom Pain after leg amputation
- Shingles-related pain in the lower body
- Poor circulation causing leg or foot pain
What to Expect
You will lie face down while your provider numbs the skin on one side of your lower back. Using X-ray guidance and contrast dye, a thin needle is guided to the sympathetic nerves, and local anesthetic is injected. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
It is common for the treated leg to feel warm afterward, which shows the block was successful. Temporary leg numbness or weakness can occur, so you will need someone to drive you home. Because sympathetic nerve pain often improves with repeated treatment, your provider may schedule a series of blocks, often paired with physical therapy to restore movement.
Related Treatments
For sympathetic nerve pain in the arms or face, a stellate ganglion block works in a similar way. Patients whose pain does not improve with blocks may benefit from a spinal cord stimulator trial or intrathecal pump implants. Learn more about living with CRPS or explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Sympathetic Block
What does a lumbar sympathetic block treat?
It is commonly used for CRPS of the leg or foot, nerve pain in the legs, phantom limb pain, and some circulation problems.
Why does my leg feel warm after the block?
Warmth means the sympathetic nerves were successfully blocked and blood flow to the leg has increased.
How many blocks will I need?
Many patients need a series of injections. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on how you respond.
Is the procedure painful?
The skin is numbed first, and most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain.
Can I drive myself home?
No. Temporary leg numbness or weakness may occur, so please arrange for a driver.
How long does relief last?
Relief often lasts longer than the anesthetic itself, especially after a series of blocks combined with therapy.
Where can I get a lumbar sympathetic block?
LA Pain Doctor performs lumbar sympathetic blocks at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Calm Chronic Leg Nerve Pain
Find out if a lumbar sympathetic block can help. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.