When I was having lumbar sympathetic blocks for my left foot my PM Dr. used an x-ray machine to locate the exact spot in my spine to insert the needle. I had to lay flat on my stomach for that reason. He would give me a pillow to put under my leg/foot to help protect it.

Perhaps you could find out the protocol your doctor wants to use? I know some places they do not use the x-ray machine to determine the placement or the needle for the block.

I had many blocks over the course of a year or so and each I was given a small amount of sedative to help keep me quiet and still. The blocks stopped working for me so we switched to IV lidocaine and I have had much more success with that.

I hope you are able to find a solution and get some relief.

MsL

I don't have RSD, but I was an RN and we did put some of these blocks into patients, in the unit where I worked.

People who could not lie on their side in the fetal position were asked to sit on the edge of the bed, bent over towards their knees, to achieve the same bend in their spine.

In fact, most of these procedures were done in this position.

If you think you may be able to hold the position long enough, maybe you could suggest it to your doctor. Just a thought.