What is this procedure?
Local anesthetic is placed near the lumbar sympathetic chain, which influences circulation and other functions in the lower limbs.
When might it be considered?
Selected lower-limb pain with a sympathetic component, including some cases of CRPS; this is not a general injection for every backache. Your physician will determine whether this approach is appropriate and discuss alternatives, including non-procedural care.
What to expect
Imaging guides placement near the nerves. The team monitors your response and vital signs. Your clinician reviews your history, medications, allergies, and any relevant tests. The team explains the procedure and obtains your consent. Positioning, skin preparation, local numbing, and imaging guidance may be part of the visit, depending on the procedure.
Tell your care team about pregnancy, infection, medication allergies, or blood-thinning medicines. Do not stop or change medicines without instructions from the clinician managing them.
Potential benefits
Temporary relief may help identify sympathetic involvement and support movement or rehabilitation. Benefit and duration vary; some patients experience little or no improvement. An injection is one possible part of a broader care plan.
Possible risks & side effects
Soreness, dizziness, temporary weakness or numbness can occur. Rare risks include blood-vessel, nerve or nearby organ injury.
This is not a complete list of risks. Your physician should explain the options, limitations, and consent information specific to your planned procedure.
Recovery & follow-up
Be careful standing or walking until cleared by the team. Ask about transportation and activity restrictions. Observation and activity instructions depend on the procedure, medication, and your response. Ask whether you need a driver and when you can return to usual activities. Follow your own discharge instructions rather than a general online timeline.
Contact your care team about unexpected or worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical help for severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or new significant weakness.
Common questions
Why is the injection in my back if my foot hurts?
The sympathetic nerves influencing the leg and foot run alongside the lumbar spine.
Will this procedure relieve my pain?
It may help selected patients, but improvement is not guaranteed. Your physician will discuss realistic goals based on the suspected source of your pain.
Will I need more than one injection?
The need for further treatment depends on your response, the diagnosis, and safety considerations. There is no automatic course of injections that suits everyone.
How should I prepare?
Ask the team for your specific instructions, including medicines, food and drink, transportation, and what to bring. Do not change your medicines based on this page.
Is this available at Columbia Pain Management?
Contact the office to discuss eligibility and scheduling. Your physician will assess whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
Patient education reference: my.clevelandclinic.org — patient education.