Superior Cluneal

This procedure can reduce pain from several conditions affecting the low back, especially when other treatments have not been effective. These conditions include:

Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment Syndrome (SCN entrapment): Compression or irritation of the superior cluneal nerves as they pass over the iliac crest (top of the hip bone). Athletes or people working in jobs that require frequent bending, twisting, or lifting may develop SCN entrapment.

Post-Surgical Pain: Persistent pain after lumbar spine surgery or hip surgery where nerve irritation may be involved.

Chronic Lower Back, Hip, or Buttock Pain: Especially when pain is localized to the lower back, upper buttocks, or hip area and does not improve with standard treatments.

Diagnostic Purposes: A superior cluneal nerve block can be used to confirm whether these nerves are the primary source of your pain, which helps to guide further treatment options.

By directly treating the affected nerves, this procedure can provide targeted pain relief and help you get back to your daily activities.

Superior Cluneal nerve block injections offer several advantages, including:

Rapid Pain Relief: Many patients report a noticeable improvement in their pain soon after the injection. This relief can last up to several months.

Reduced Medication Use: Superior cluneal nerve block injections can help reduce the need for oral pain medications, including opioids, which reduces your risk of side effects and the potential for addiction.

Improved Mobility: By alleviating your pain, you will be able to move more freely and participate in physical therapy or exercise programs.

Non-Surgical Alternative: This procedure offers pain relief without invasive surgery.

Studies have found that ultrasound-guided superior cluneal nerve blocks have a success rate of about 80-90%. A single nerve block injection can provide significant pain relief from 1 to 6 months. 

While some patients achieve good results after a single injection, it is important to note that the effects of any nerve block injection are usually temporary. Repeat injections may be recommended multiple times per year, depending on your specific condition and response to treatment.

Yes, superior cluneal nerve blocks are widely regarded as safe. When performed by experienced professionals, the risks are minimal, and side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as localized soreness or swelling. 

At Wilderman Clinic, we use ultrasound guidance to make sure each injection correctly hits the anatomical target, which further decreases the risk of complications.

Although this procedure is safe for most people, certain underlying health conditions may make it unsuitable for some individuals. These include:

Allergies: Patients with known allergies to the medications used should not undergo this treatment.

Infections: Active infections near the injection site or in the body can increase the risk of complications. Once the infection is treated and resolved, this procedure can be considered.

Bleeding Disorders: Individuals with clotting issues or those taking blood thinners may need special considerations.

Severe Health Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes or significant cardiovascular issues could make this procedure unsafe.

Pregnancy: This treatment is typically avoided during pregnancy.

Our team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history to determine if a superior cluneal nerve block injection is right for you.

While superior cluneal nerve blocks are generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects, including:

• • Temporary Numbness or Weakness: Mild numbness in the injection area is a common, short-lived side effect.
  • Bruising or Swelling: Minor irritation at the injection site is possible but typically resolves quickly.
  • Infection: Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection.
  • Allergic Reactions: Be sure to inform your clinician of any medication allergies.
  • Incomplete Pain Relief: While many patients report significant relief, results can vary, and some may find the results to be partial or short-lived. Additional treatments may be needed to achieve the desired results. 
  • Nerve Injury: While rare, any nerve block injection carries the risk of damage to the nerve that can be permanent. The use of ultrasound guidance greatly improves accuracy and minimizes the risk of accidental nerve injury.

Our clinicians will discuss these risks with you in detail and take all necessary precautions to make sure you have a safe and comfortable experience.

From start to finish, our team prioritizes your comfort and safety:

1. Initial Consultation: We’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and confirm that a superior cluneal nerve block is the best option for your needs.
2. Preparation: You’ll be positioned comfortably on your stomach, and the hip area will be sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Guided Injection: Using ultrasound imaging technology, our clinicians will accurately target the superior cluneal nerves and administer the injection. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
4. Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll rest for a short period while we monitor your response. For your safety, a driver is required to take you home. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few hours, although rest is recommended for the remainder of the day.

We will follow up with you after your procedure to check on your progress and address any concerns.

At Wilderman Medical Clinic, our mission is to help you take control of your pain. At every step, our expert team will work closely with you to provide the best possible care and treatment.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if a superior cluneal nerve block injection is right for you.

Anderson D, Szarvas D, Koontz C, et al. (2022). A Comprehensive Review of Cluneal Neuralgia as a Cause of Lower Back Pain. Orthopedic Reviews. 2022;14(3). doi:10.52965/​001c.35505

Kuniya, H., Aizawa, T., & Kokubun, S. (2022). Evaluation of the efficacy of superior cluneal nerve block in low back pain patients with superior cluneal nerve entrapment. Pain Medicine, 23(5), 882-888.

Luo X., Zhao Y. (2024)  Ultrasound-Guided Superior Cluneal Nerve Block: A Narrative Review. J Pain Res. 2024 May 22;17:1829-1836. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S462166. PMID: 38799273; PMCID: PMC11128254.

Nielsen TD, Moriggl B, Barckman J, Jensen JM, Kolsen-Petersen JA, Søballe K, Børglum J, Bendtsen TF. (2019). Randomized trial of ultrasound-guided superior cluneal nerve block. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2019 May 6:rapm-2018-100174. doi: 10.1136/rapm-2018-100174. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 31061111.