Sciatic Nerve Block

Lumbar and sciatic nerves are located on both sides of your spine, in your lower back. A steroid medication and local anesthetic injected into or around your sciatic nerves can help reduce pain in your lower back and legs.

What is a Sympathetic Sciatic Nerve Block?

This minimally invasive procedure is performed by our specialist using a steroid and anti-inflammatory mixture injected into or around your sciatic nerve to relieve lower back or leg pain (sciatica).  It can be used to treat Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Herpes Zoster infection (shingles) involving the legs, Vascular insufficiency, and Peripheral neuropathy, and is performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance. 

What to expect during a Sciatic Nerve Block procedure

Your pain specialist will have you lay on your stomach while they numb the surrounding skin with a local anesthetic. With fluoroscopic guidance they insert a small needle into your back, along the outside of your spine, inject dye to confirm that medication will go to the correct spot, and then inject the steroid medication.  Usually, the procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.

What to expect after a Sciatic Nerve Block procedure

Your lower back and leg may feel warm or “different,” and you may begin to feel less pain. Your leg may feel numb or weak, but this feeling will subside when the anesthetic wears off.  Do not drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. You may return to your normal activities the next day.

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