Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Overview
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.
About the Sympathetic Nerves
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.
Preparation
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.
Inserting the Needle
The physician inserts a needle and carefully guides it to the sympathetic nerves. The physician typically uses an x-ray device called a “fluoroscope.” This shows a video image of the needle’s position. Contrast dye may be injected to help confirm that the needle is placed correctly.
Injecting the Medicine
Next, the physician injects medicine. It 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. The injection may also provide other benefits, depending on your needs.
End of Procedure
When the procedure is complete, the needle is removed and the injection site is covered with a bandage. You will be monitored for a brief time before you are allowed to go home. After a lumbar sympathetic block, many people experience leg numbness or weakness. This is normal, and usually lasts for only a few hours. You may need to return for more injections in the future.
What Our Patients are Saying
Dr. Muhammad was professional, knowledgeable and seemed to genuinely care about finding a solution to my pain problem.
Dr. Rasheed has been a wonderful doctor so far. He’s very professional and confident. He has had a ton if ideas for us to try, which is completely different from my last pain mgt. doc. So far, he’s been everything I could have asked in a pain mgt. doctor.
I love Dr. Abdelfattah! He is an amazing doctor. He has an excellent beside manner, and her Is very interested and concerned about his patients, and their diagnosis, and he is able to empathize with his patients. He is very skilled at preforming minimally invasive procedures that can really reduce pain. He is NOT a pill mill, but he is NOT scared to prescribe what the patient may need to be comfortable and to reduce pain. As far as I can tell the Pain Management Clinic is in full compliance with the State medical board’s guidelines on Pain Management Clinics. I would send anyone who is seeking relief from their pain to him because he is going to do his very best to find out what is causing the pain, and the best way to treat it. Truly an AWESOME doctor!!! I nominate him as a TOP DOCTOR!!! Being a healthcare professional I know a good physician when I see one and this one is it!!!!
Staff was amazing, tell you what they think and give you options and really wants to know the underlined cause before they do anything. I think that’s awesome and will recommend to anyone!!!
Everyone was so nice. Dr. Zhao explained things to me in a way I could understand everything. She had a smile on her face the whole time. It was like she was happy to see me. I really liked how the appointment turned out.
Dr. Syed listens to me & gives me hope for conquering this constant pain of neuropathy. He is open to new methods of treating my constant pain.
Super place, super doctors. Took the time to explain everything to me.