Erector Spinae Plane Block in Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

The erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a novel interfascial block technique to relieve various postoperative pain. We described successful management of acute or subacute low back pain in 3 patients using ultrasound guided erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks. Three patients of low back pain visited our pain clinic with variable duration of pain development with numerical rating scale 7. Before the visit of pain clinic, they were treated with physical therapy and acupuncture with minimal efficacy. For their pain relief, lumbar ESP block at L4 or L5 level using ultrasound guidance was performed. After lumbar ESP block, all 3 patients showed good treatment effect in relieving their low back pain (numerical rating scale 1~2). This effect was maintained even after 2 months after injection. Lumbar ESP block is a good treatment option for acute or subacute low back pain. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical efficacy.