Nerve Blocks & Injections

Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks

Local anesthetic targeting the sympathetic nerve chain in the lower back, interrupting overactive pain signals and improving circulation in the lower extremities.

Nerve

Category

Outpatient

Procedure

Non-Opioid

Approach

Image-Guided

Precision

Book Your Visit Back to Treatments

Procedure Overview

CRPS and sympathetically-mediated pain in the lower extremities are among the most difficult pain conditions to treat with standard approaches. The sympathetic nervous system is driving the pain signal and maintaining it even when the original injury has healed. Interrupting that signal directly is what makes this type of block effective where other treatments have not been.

Clinical Data

Published clinical studies report 60 to 70% of patients experience significant pain relief following lumbar sympathetic blocks, with a 40 to 60% reduction in CRPS symptoms. Relief typically lasts several weeks to several months. (Source to be confirmed by SCOPES Health clinical team.)

Treatment Purpose

Lumbar sympathetic blocks inject local anesthetic near the sympathetic nerve chain along the lumbar spine. These nerves regulate pain perception and blood flow in the lower extremities. Blocking them interrupts overactive sympathetically-mediated pain signals while also improving circulation in the affected limb.

Appropriate Conditions

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) of the lower extremity
Peripheral vascular disease
Neuropathic limb pain
Phantom limb pain
Ischemic limb pain

Patient Considerations

The connection is physiological. The sympathetic nerve chain in the lumbar spine controls blood flow and pain signaling throughout the lower extremities. When that system is overactive, as it is in CRPS and related conditions, pain is maintained even without ongoing tissue damage. Interrupting the sympathetic signal can break that cycle, often providing relief that goes well beyond the duration of the anesthetic itself.

Treatment Process

The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes under fluoroscopic guidance. You lie face down while a thin needle is guided to the lumbar sympathetic chain and local anesthetic is injected. You return home the same day. Most patients feel relief within minutes to hours. The procedure can be safely repeated for ongoing benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon does relief begin?

Most patients feel relief within minutes to hours following the procedure.

How long does relief last?

Relief typically lasts several weeks to months. The procedure can be safely repeated.

What are the risks?

Generally very safe. Minor side effects include temporary soreness or bruising. Rare risks include infection or accidental nerve injury.

Need Guidance?

Talk With a SCOPES Specialist

Every care plan is based on your diagnosis, your symptoms, and your goals.

Book Your Visit

Back to all treatments