Lumbar blocks are minimally invasive procedures performed to relieve pain in the lumbar region of the spine. At COPAC we have extensive experience in applying this effective treatment, which can help you overcome persistent back pain. Find out more about lumbar lock below…
Lumbar blocks involve the injection of a local anesthetic and steroid into the facet joints of the spine. These joints are located between the vertebrae of the spine and can cause pain if they are inflamed or damaged.
Lumbar block is performed with the patient lying on an exam table, where a local anesthetic is administered into the skin to numb the injection site. The doctor uses X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy or CT scan) to guide the needle to the affected facet joint. Once the correct location is reached, a mixture of medications is injected into the joint.
Lumbar lock can help relieve lower back pain and other symptoms associated with facet joint problems, such as swelling and stiffness.
Lumbar block may be necessary in cases of chronic low back pain that does not respond to conservative treatments (physiotherapy, oral analgesics or physiotherapy). It may also be recommended for patients who have facet joint problems.
Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including supplements and herbal remedies.
Tell if you are allergic to any medicines.
Stop taking iron and aspirin supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure.
You may be given a sedative, so it’s important to have someone accompany you and drive you home after the procedure.
The specialist injects a mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroids into the epidural space around the nerve roots leading out of the spinal cord.
It is performed by locally delivering a mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroids to the facet joints of the spine.
Through a fine needle, specific medications are injected into the nerve root that is causing pain to block its activity.
An anesthetic and a corticosteroid are also given to the sacroiliac joint to treat pain in that area. The sacroiliac joint connects the pelvis to the base of the spine and can be the source of pain in some conditions
After lumbar block there are activities that you can do and others that you cannot, here we tell you what they are:
Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for the first week after the procedure.
Apply ice to the injection site for 20 minutes (several times a day) to reduce swelling.
Take pain relievers prescribed by your doctor as directed.
Maintain good posture and avoid sitting or lying in the same position for a long time.
Contact your doctor if you experience any unexpected side effects or prolonged pain.
Do not engage in strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or driving a car for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Do not inject anesthetics or steroids on your own.
Avoid immersion in hot pools or tubs for the first week.
How quickly a lumbar block starts to take effect depends on the type of block and the patient’s individual response. Some people may feel pain relief immediately after the procedure, while others may take several hours or even days before they feel improvement.
The duration of the effect of a lumbar block can also vary according to each person. In general, the analgesic effect of a lumbar block is expected to last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month or more.
The prescription of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, nerve soothing and/or muscle relaxant medications accompanied by a period of rest, may be enough to improve the condition of the patient with small hernias.
The most common complications include: discomfort at the injection site, headache, and sometimes, a feeling of heaviness in the legs. These are generally transient and resolve without intervention.
Side effects can range from allergic reactions to the medications used to changes in blood pressure. It is important that the patient is monitored and informed about what to expect after the procedure.
Although less common, serious complications require special attention and careful management to avoid long-term consequences.
Infection is a serious complication that can present with symptoms such as fever, redness, or increased pain at the injection site. Prevention is key and is achieved by maintaining strict asepsis and antisepsis measures during the procedure.
Although their incidence is extremely low, bleeding and nerve injury are a constant concern. Proper technique and the expertise of the attending medical professional are critical to reducing these risks.
Dural puncture is one of the complications that can occur during a lumbar block. It consists of the accidental perforation of the dura mater, which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid.
When a dural puncture occurs, there may be a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. One of the most common symptoms is a post-puncture headache, which can be severe and worsened by standing or sitting. Other symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and stiff neck.
Initial treatment may include conservative measures, such as bed rest, hydration, and the use of pain medication. In more severe cases, a procedure called an epidural blood patch may be necessary, which involves injecting the patient’s own blood at the puncture site to seal the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.
Risk minimization begins with a detailed evaluation and proper patient selection.
Not all patients are ideal candidates for a lumbar block. Evaluating medical history and current conditions is a step that cannot be ignored.
Proper preparation includes informing the patient about the procedure, obtaining informed consent, and preparing the injection site optimally.
The care after the procedure is just as important as the procedure itself. In this regard, the treating physician should give clear instructions on physical activity, medication, and warning signs after the procedure.
