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- What is it?
- 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 to 40 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.
- Patient Instructions/Forms:
- Please see our Patient Instructions/Forms for more information.
