A nerve root block is an injection performed near an inflamed nerve to reduce the inflammation and relieve pain.
How is it done?
A local skin anesthetic is given. The physician then locates, under fluoroscopy, a specific spinal nerve root. A needle is introduced through the skin into the area adjacent to the nerve root. An anesthetic and steroid are then injected into the area bathing the nerve root.
Expected Results:
Relief of pain if the medication reaches the inflamed area or source of pain.
How long does it take?
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes plus approximately 30 minutes of recovery time.
Glossary:
Fluoroscopy – X-ray imaging of a part of the body that is displayed on a screen or monitor in the x-ray suite. This facilitates and assures proper placement of the needle and medication.