Nerve Root Block
A nerve root block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid, injected under X-ray guidance into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column. A nerve root block is usually performed to alleviate pain in the arm or leg that follows the path of a single nerve. A nerve root block may be done as a diagnostic test, to determine the source of your pain, or as a therapeutic treatment, to relieve the pain.
How is it performed?
- The injection site is prepared and numbed with local anaesthetic. The doctor inserts the needle through the skin toward the spine.
- Once the needle is in the proper space, a small amount of dye may be injected to verify the position of the needle with an X-ray.
- After this, a mixture of numbing medication and steroids is injected to the point on the affected nerve where it exits the spinal column.
- The needle is then removed and the site is bandaged.
- Following the procedure, the patient should rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving for at least 12 hours after the injection.
