Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Middle Cluneal Nerve Block
1746871810
The Middle Cluneal Nerve Block procedure helps reduce chronic pain in the lower back and buttock, often due to nerve entrapment near the iliac crest. It alleviates pain, tingling, or burning, exacerbated by movement, sitting, or standing. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, like lidocaine, with a steroid, such as cortisone, next to the nerve. It also serves as a diagnostic tool. This nerve might be impacted by sacroiliac joint (SI) issues or past surgeries involving SI joint stabilization. Alternatives include physical therapy. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a real-time X-ray, ensures precise medication placement. It takes 15–30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
During recovery, avoid driving and strenuous activities. Pain relief can be immediate; steroids reduce inflammation for six to twelve months. If pain returns, treatments like radiofrequency or cryoneuroablation may offer longer relief. Risks, though rare, include infection or nerve injury. Preparation may involve fasting, and managing blood thinners should follow your doctor’s advice.
If the nerve block gives temporary relief but pain persists, additional treatments like physical therapy or medications may be recommended. Surgery is rare. Extreme cases may consider peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation as long-term options. This procedure not only alleviates pain but also confirms whether the middle cluneal nerve causes your discomfort, guiding future treatments.
FAQs
How long does the Middle Cluneal Nerve Block procedure take, and what is the recovery like?
The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to go home the same day. Recovery involves avoiding driving and strenuous activities immediately after the procedure. Pain relief is often immediate, and the effects of steroids can last between six to twelve months.
What are the options if pain relief from the Middle Cluneal Nerve Block is temporary?
If the nerve block provides temporary relief but the pain returns, additional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or more advanced procedures like radiofrequency or cryoneuroablation may be recommended. In rare instances, options like peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation could be considered for long-term pain management.
What are the potential risks associated with a Middle Cluneal Nerve Block?
Though rare, risks include infection, nerve injury, and allergic reactions to the injected substances. Temporary soreness or a flare-up of pain post-procedure are also possible. These risks are minimized by using sterile techniques and fluoroscopic guidance during the procedure.
What is a Middle Cluneal Nerve Block?
A Middle Cluneal Nerve Block is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reducing chronic lower back and buttock pain caused by nerve entrapment near the iliac crest. It involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid to alleviate pain, tingling, or burning sensations, particularly those worsened by movement or prolonged sitting or standing.
What should I do to prepare for a Middle Cluneal Nerve Block?
Preparation may include fasting—no food for six hours and no liquids (except water) for two hours before the procedure. If you take blood-thinning medications, follow your doctor’s instructions about managing these before the procedure.