I beg to differ gymjunkie.
It is my understanding that a lumbar sympathetic block is just one of many various types of nerve blocks available.
AJ specifically asked about lower lumbar sympathetic blocks which I have experience with.
Quote:
What is a Lumbar Sympathetic Block?
Lumbar Sympathetic Block is an injection of local anesthetic in the "sympathetic nerve tissue" – the nerves which are a part of Sympathetic Nervous System. The nerves are located on the either side of spine, in the back.
What is the purpose of it?
The injection blocks the Sympathetic Nerves. This may in turn reduce pain, swelling, color, and sweating changes in the lower extremity and may improve mobility. It is done as a part of the treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Sympathetic Maintained Pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Herpes Zoster (shingles) involving lower extremity.
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Perhaps I'm missing something but that sounds like a nerve block to me.
http://www.reddinganesthesia.com/LSB%20faq.htm
MsL