What is a Lumbar Sympathetic Block?
A Lumbar Sympathetic Block is a diagnostic procedure involving placement of a local anesthetic near the area of the spine controlling sympathetic nerves.
The group of nerves that control the leg and foot is called the Lumbar Sympathetic Chain.
What are Sympathetic Nerves?
The sympathetic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and control sweating, blood pressure, and digestion.
Sometimes these nerves become injured and painful, resulting in conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
How Do I Know if Sympathetic Nerves are the Cause of My Pain?
Pain from sympathetic nerve dysfunction may present as burning pain, temperature changes, sweating abnormalities, or nail and hair changes.
If pain lessens after diagnostic anesthetic injection, sympathetic nerves may be the source of pain.
