What Are Cluneal Nerve Blocks? Relief for Lower Back and Pelvic Pain

Chronic lower back and pelvic pain can be debilitating, especially when the cause is unclear. While many patients associate back pain with disc issues or sciatica, there is another lesser-known culprit: the cluneal nerves. If you’ve been living with persistent discomfort that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, a cluneal nerve block may provide the relief you’ve been searching for.

Understanding the Cluneal Nerves

The cluneal nerves are small sensory nerves that branch from the lumbar and sacral spine. They are divided into three types: superior, middle, and inferior cluneal nerves. These nerves supply sensation to the skin over the lower back, buttocks, and upper pelvic region.

When these nerves become irritated or compressed, they can trigger a type of pain that closely mimics other musculoskeletal conditions. This often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Cluneal nerve pain may be the hidden reason for your chronic symptoms, especially if conventional approaches haven’t worked.

What Is a Cluneal Nerve Block?

A cluneal nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure designed to diagnose and treat pain caused by these irritated nerves. The injection includes a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.

This nerve block serves a dual purpose. It can confirm whether the cluneal nerves are the source of your pain and also provide temporary or long-term relief depending on your condition.

Signs You May Benefit from a Cluneal Nerve Block

Cluneal nerve entrapment or irritation can cause a variety of symptoms that overlap with other back or hip conditions. You may be a candidate for this treatment if you experience:

Common Symptoms

• Sharp, aching, or burning pain across the lower back or upper buttocks
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting
• Radiating discomfort that does not follow the path of the sciatic nerve

Unlike sciatica or lumbar disc herniation, cluneal nerve pain tends to stay closer to the surface and may not respond well to spinal adjustments or medications.

What to Expect During the Procedure

A cluneal nerve block is performed as an outpatient procedure. Your pain specialist will use imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to precisely target the affected nerve area.

The process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. After the injection, you may experience immediate numbness or relief if the correct nerve was targeted. Patients can return home the same day and may resume normal activities shortly afterward.

How Long Does Relief Last?

The results vary from person to person. Some patients experience relief that lasts for days or weeks, while others benefit for several months. If the injection successfully reduces pain, your provider may recommend additional blocks or explore longer-lasting options like radiofrequency ablation.

Other Treatments to Consider

If cluneal nerve blocks provide only temporary improvement, other treatments may be considered as part of a personalized care plan. These may include:

Complementary Treatments

• Physical therapy to improve posture and reduce nerve compression
• Nerve ablation for longer-lasting pain control
• Anti-inflammatory medications as part of a broader pain management strategy

Our multidisciplinary team can help you build a plan that targets the root cause of your discomfort.

When to See a Pain Specialist for Lower Back and Pelvic Pain

At Greater Austin Pain Center, we provide interventional procedures like cluneal nerve blocks to help patients with persistent lower back and pelvic pain. Our team of pain management specialists is committed to identifying the source of your pain and developing an individualized treatment plan to help you heal.

We proudly serve patients in Austin, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Kyle, and the Greater Austin area with compassionate, expert care.

Call today or schedule your appointment online to start your journey toward real relief.