What is a post-spinal backache?

A post-spinal backache is localized soreness at the injection site after spinal anesthesia or an epidural. It typically feels like a deep bruise and resolves within a few days to a week due to needle irritation of surrounding muscles and ligaments.

How long does a post-spinal backache last?

Most post-spinal backaches resolve within a few days to one week with conservative care. If pain persists beyond two weeks or is accompanied by numbness or radiating leg pain, consult Dr. Ajith Nair at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists in Louisville or Elizabethtown, KY.

What are the 7 ways to treat a post-spinal backache?

The 7 treatments are: (1) Rest and gentle movement, (2) Ice therapy for the first 24-48 hours, (3) Heat therapy after 48 hours, (4) OTC anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, (5) Gentle massage or foam rolling, (6) Epidural steroid injections for persistent inflammation, (7) Radiofrequency ablation for chronic cases. Kentuckiana Pain Specialists in Louisville and Elizabethtown, KY offers all options.

When should I see a doctor for post-spinal backache?

See a doctor if pain does not improve within one week, is severe, or comes with numbness, weakness, or radiating leg pain. Seek emergency care for sudden loss of bladder or bowel control.

Is post-spinal backache permanent?

No. For the vast majority of patients it resolves within days to weeks. Persistent cases are treatable with epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, or spinal cord stimulation at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists.

FAQs About Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

What Is A Sympathetic Nerve Block?

A sympathetic nerve block involves injecting numbing medicine around the sympathetic nerves in the low back or neck. By doing this, the sympathetic nervous system in that area is temporarily ‘switched’ off in hopes of reducing or eliminating pain. If pain is substantially improved after the block, then a diagnosis of sympathetically mediated pain is established. The therapeutic effects of the anesthetic can occur, at times, longer than would be normally expected. The goal is to reset the sympathetic tone to a normal state of regulation. If the initial block is successful, then additional blocks may be repeated if the pain continues to sequentially diminish. You may also have redness of the lower extremity and a feeling of warmth.

For a comprehensive overview of the different types of nerve blocks used in pain management, including sympathetic nerve blocks, epidural injections, and peripheral blocks, see our patient guide on what is a nerve block: types, duration, and what to expect.

How Is It Done & How Long Does It Take?

A local anesthetic is given in the lumbar area of the back. A needle is then inserted into the back under the fluoroscopy next to the vertebral body. The block may be performed on both sides the spine. An anesthetic medication will be injected into the area. It takes 30 minutes for the procedure followed by a recovery period.

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FAQs About Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

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