Figure 5

Changes in VAS scores of 113 subjects suspected with superior cluneal nerve disorder. The line graph shows the changes in VAS scores before, 15 min, and 1 week after nerve block injections of 113 patients meeting the both criteria for suspected superior cluneal nerve disorder. The mean VAS score is 68.6 ± 19.2 mm (25–100 mm) before injection. At 15 min after injection, the mean VAS score is 31.6 ± 27.0 mm (0–100 mm), a significant decrease (p < 0.05). At 1 week after injection, the VAS scores significantly decrease to 45.2 ± 28.8 mm (0–100 mm) (p < 0.05). If insufficient pain decrease or recurrence of pain was observed, injections were repeated every week up to three times, or until sufficient pain relief was obtained. Fifty-three (47%) patients required a second injection, and 28 (25%) patients required a third time injection.