Does anyone know if lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks are the same as transforaminal blocks? Thanks

[Bunce]

Does anyone know if lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks are the same as transforaminal blocks? Thanks

[Bananas5]

No they are different

A lumbar sympathetic nerve block is a special test to help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms. During the test, an anesthetic (numbing) medication is injected near your spine. This “blocks” the sympathetic nerves in that region. If these nerves are causing your symptoms, the injection may offer relief for a while immediately after the procedure. If effective, your doctor may recommend a series of these blocks 1-2 weeks apart which may help give you more long term pain relief.

A transforaminal or selective nerve root block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid injected under x-ray guidance into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column. A block is usually ordered by your doctor for pain in the arm or leg that follows the path of a single nerve.

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