Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment: An Overlooked Cause of Low Back Pain and the Role of Ultrasound-Guided Interventions—A Narrative Review

Superior Cluneal Nerve Entrapment: An Overlooked Cause of Low Back Pain and the Role of Ultrasound-Guided Interventions—A Narrative Review

The superior cluneal nerves (SCNs) are cutaneous branches of the T11 to L5 dorsal rami, and dysfunction in these nerves can result in low back, gluteal, and leg pain. Due to the similarity of symptoms with other conditions—such as lumbar spine disorders and myofascial pain syndrome—SCN disorders can be challenging to diagnose. This narrative review aims to assess the anatomy of the SCN, explore potential causes of entrapment, and summarize the associated clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options. We also review various ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques, which have shown promise for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in SCN entrapment. However, further research is needed to validate the efficacy of SCN blocks across different patient populations.