A lumbar sympathetic injection is a procedure that involves the injection of local anesthetic to alleviate lower back or leg pain. The procedure is effective in treating:
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Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
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Complex regional pain syndrome
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Herpes zoster infection (shingles) of the legs
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Vascular insufficiency
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Peripheral neuropathy
The goal of lumbar sympathetic injections is to reduce pain and inflammation so the patient can resume normal activities and physical therapy. The procedure involves the following steps:
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Intravenous medication is administered to relax the patient
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The skin of the lower back is numbed with a local anesthetic
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X-ray guidance is used to position and insert a small needle into the back
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Contrast dye is injected to confirm the medication will reach the target area
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A local anesthetic or corticosteroid is then injected, providing rapid pain relief
The procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.