Lumbar Blocks in Panama
Back pain (mainly lumbar pain) is one of the chronic ailments that most affects the current population.
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Lumbar block is an outpatient technique that has become a trend, as it allows the sensation of pain to be restricted and provides temporary relief to the patient.
Below, we will expand the information on the subject by explaining what a block in the spine is, what the procedure consists of, what its types are and lumbar block side effects.
What is lumbar block?
Lumbar block is a minimally invasive treatment method in which injections of anesthetic or anti-inflammatory medications are applied into a nerve, nerve root, or facet joint of the spine, with the goal of interrupting or shutting down pain and inflammation signals.
As the name implies, the intention is to block pain and limit inflammation in order to temporarily decrease the lumbar ailments that the patient experiences. It should be noted that lumbar block does not eradicate the problem itself, it only provides relief from symptoms for a period of time that can vary between days, weeks or months.
Why is lumbar block done?
Lumbar blocks are widely recommended for:
Relieve pain in the lower back.
Reduce intervertebral inflammation.
Improve the patient's quality of life.
Identify the true cause of the pain.
How to prepare for lumbar blocks?
Lumbar block is a procedure that requires very little preparation. During the previous consultations, the doctor will evaluate the patient’s clinical history, delving into topics of special relevance such as: allergies, the consumption of medicinal supplements, anticoagulant medications, among others.
On the day of the lumbar block, it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes to make it easier for you to change into the medical gown, avoid metal accessories, do not eat in the hours before the procedure, remain calm and follow the instructions of the medical staff.
Lumbar block involves injecting local anesthetics or anti-inflammatories into a specific point on the spine to soothe pain and decrease inflammation. Currently, the epidural block has been replaced by more advanced techniques that include CT scans or fluoroscopy, to precisely guide the insertion of the needle to the nerve or vertebral facet joint that is generating the discomfort.
The administration of the medications is done as close as possible to the nerve or facet joint, and even inside the same joint. When the needle is removed, the doctor will put some pressure on the opening to prevent bleeding; Additionally, he will cover the small hole with a sterile dressing.
Lumbar blocks are performed on an outpatient basis; they generally take about 30 minutes in total, they do not require sutures or sedation. Rest is then needed after a lumbar block
What is the lumbar block procedure like?
What types of locks are there?
Among the most common lumbar blockages we can mention:
Epidural block
Epidural block does not use CT scans or contrast liquid, so the administration of medications is not as accurate as in the new guided procedures. Depending on the medical experience and the effectiveness of the procedure, the patient can achieve good results in the short/medium term.
Selective root block
CT-guided selective root block provides real-time imaging guidance of the needle; In this way, the nerve block that transmits the nerve impulse has a better range and greater effectiveness and prolonged pain relief can be achieved.
Facet Block
Facet joints are a type of synovial joint that serves as a junction between the vertebrae that make up the spine. In the facet block, anesthetics or anti-inflammatories are injected into or very close to the facet joint that is causing pain; If several joints are affected, it will be necessary to apply an injection for each of them.
Lumbar Block Risks and Side Effects
Although this is a very safe technique, we cannot ignore that every medical procedure has a percentage of risk. In the case of lumbar block, risks are the following:
Infection
Any medical instrument that penetrates the skin can infect the area; however, in lumbar blocks, the risk of infection is 1 per 1,000 procedures performed.
Allergic reactions
The patient may have an unknown allergy to the anesthetic, contrast or steroids, but the consequences are very unlikely to be serious.
Bleeding
People who have taken blood thinners for a long time or who have other blood disorders are most at risk for bleeding after a lumbar block procedure.
Damage to the nerves or spinal cord
Although it is very rare, improper technique or severe infection can trigger anything from nerve damage to paralysis.
To finish with the point of lumbar block side effects, we must mention that women who have a suspicion of pregnancy have to report the situation to their doctor, since exposure to X-rays during a CT scan can be harmful to the baby.
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