Interventional Pain Management

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

Q: What conditions does a lumbar sympathetic block treat?

Lumbar sympathetic blocks are most commonly used for CRPS of the lower extremity, sympathetically maintained pain, vascular insufficiency, and complex neuropathic pain syndromes affecting the legs and feet.

Q: Is a lumbar sympathetic block covered by insurance?

Yes for approved indications including CRPS. Most major insurance plans and Medicare cover lumbar sympathetic blocks when properly documented.

Q: How long does a lumbar sympathetic block last?

Relief varies. Some patients experience weeks to months of relief. A series of blocks is typically recommended for CRPS. The blocks can be repeated for ongoing management.

Q: How do I know if the block worked?

A successful lumbar sympathetic block causes warming of the foot, which can be felt immediately. Pain reduction typically follows within hours.

Q: Are sympathetic blocks safe?

Yes when performed with fluoroscopic guidance by an experienced interventional pain physician. DVPSI uses contrast confirmation before every injection to ensure proper placement.

A specialized injection targeting the sympathetic nerve chain in the lumbar spine, used for CRPS, vascular pain, and complex lower extremity pain syndromes.

What Is Lumbar Sympathetic Block?

A lumbar sympathetic block targets the sympathetic nerve chain that runs along the front of the lumbar vertebrae. These nerves play a key role in CRPS, vascular insufficiency pain, and complex lower extremity pain syndromes. Blocking these nerves can dramatically reduce burning pain, allodynia, and temperature abnormalities associated with sympathetically maintained pain.

How It Works

Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician places needles adjacent to the sympathetic ganglia along the anterolateral surface of the lumbar vertebrae. Local anesthetic is injected to block sympathetic nerve transmission. The procedure interrupts the abnormal sympathetic signaling that drives CRPS and related conditions.

Positioning

You lie face down on the procedure table. Fluoroscopy identifies the target vertebral levels.

Needle Placement

Using X-ray guidance, needles are placed at the anterolateral border of the vertebral bodies.

Contrast Confirmation

Contrast dye confirms proper spread along the sympathetic chain before injection.

Injection

Local anesthetic and sometimes steroid are injected to block sympathetic transmission.

Assessment

Warming of the foot and reduction in pain confirms a successful block.

Conditions It Treats

CRPS Neuropathic Pain Phantom Limb Pain Cancer Pain Chronic Pain

Why Choose DVPSI?

Lumbar sympathetic blocks are a specialized procedure requiring precise technique and fluoroscopic guidance. DVPSI physicians have extensive experience with sympathetic nerve blocks as part of comprehensive CRPS treatment protocols.

Fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation
Key component of CRPS treatment protocol
Available at all three locations
Covered by most insurance for approved indications

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions from our patients.

What conditions does a lumbar sympathetic block treat?

Is a lumbar sympathetic block covered by insurance?

How long does a lumbar sympathetic block last?

How do I know if the block worked?

Are sympathetic blocks safe?

Take the First Step

Ready to find relief?

Our board-certified specialists are ready to evaluate whether Lumbar Sympathetic Block is right for you. Same-week appointments available.

Book an Appointment Call (215) 489-9170