If you’re dealing with ongoing back or leg pain, especially from conditions like sciatica, you might have heard about something called a nerve root block injection. It might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s actually a common and safe procedure that can help reduce pain and improve your quality of life. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly what a nerve root block is, why it’s used, the key benefits and how the procedure is performed. It’s a modern, non-invasive treatment designed to help you return to your daily activities with greater comfort and ease.
According to My MSK Clinic, nerve root block injections can has success rates ranging from 46 – 84%.
An overview on nerve root block treatment for sciatica
A nerve root block is a treatment that can help relieve the pain caused by sciatica, a condition where a nerve in your lower back gets irritated or pinched, often leading to sharp or burning pain down your leg. During the procedure, a doctor gently injects medicine near the affected nerve to reduce swelling and calm the irritation. This can help ease the pain, improve movement and make it easier to go about your daily life. For many patients, a nerve root block provides much-needed relief and can be a helpful step before considering more serious treatments like surgery.
Conditions treated with nerve root block injections
Nerve root block injections are primarily used to treat sciatica, but can also be used to alleviate pain symptoms from other conditions such as:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Radiculopathy
- Facet Joint Arthritis (Facet Syndrome)
- Post-Surgical Nerve Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Lumbar Radiculopathy
The results – are nerve root block injections an effective treatment for sciatica?
In a study by a UK tertiary neurosurgical centre, 68% of patients with sciatica reported a positive outcome after receiving root block injection pain relief treatment. Due to the non-invasive nature of the treatment, it’s considered an excellent pain relief method to try before opting for more serious, invasive surgery options.
The benefits of nerve root block injections for sciatica
Nerve root block injections are mainly used to treat patients suffering from sciatica and are known to be an effective treatment to reduce pain and discomfort. Benefits include:
- Targeted pain relief: Nerve root block injections are delivered directly to the affected nerve root causing sciatica, offering fast and effective relief.
- Reduces leg and lower back pain: Treatment will ease the sharp shooting pain that travels from your lower back and down the leg.
- Decreases inflammation: The steroid in the injection helps calm inflammation around the affected nerve, reducing pressure and pain.
- Improves mobility: Nerve root block injections will allow you to get back to everyday activities like walking, sitting or standing.
- Non-invasive treatment: The procedure is simple, effective and quick, with minimal recovery time.
- Delay in surgery: For many patients, nerve root block injections provide enough relief to postpone or avoid more invasive treatments.
- Minimal side effects: Most patients tolerate the procedure well, with only mild, short-term side effects.
How do I prepare for my procedure?
Whilst the nerve root block treatment requires minimal downtime and recovery, it’s important to follow the below steps to ensure the treatment runs smoothly and works as intended. Here’s a list of some important steps to note prior to the leadup to your appointment with Dr Dashfield or another pain management physician.
- Discuss your medical history: Before your procedure, speak to your pain doctor about your full medical history including any allergies, current medication and any health conditions you may have.
- Review your medication: Some medications such as aspirin and warfarin may need to be paused prior to treatment. The doctor will provide you with instructions on which medication to stop taking and when.
- Arrange transportation: As the injections can cause temporary numbness, be sure to have transportation arranged for after the treatment. We don’t recommend driving home yourself.
- Follow eating and drinking instructions: If you’re sedated during treatment, your doctor may advise you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. The doctor will provide you with clear instructions.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Turn up to the appointment in loose, comfortable clothes. This will make it easy for the doctor to access the affected area for treatment.
- Avoid too much exercise: During the leadup to treatment, avoid over-exercising as this could make your condition worse. Focus on walking and doing light stretches instead.
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your pain doctor about the procedure itself or to understand what to expect after the treatment.
- Plan for aftercare: Ensure you rest for the remainder of the day after treatment and avoid strenuous activities. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan to follow post treatment.
What happens during a nerve root block injection?
Below is an overview of what to expect during your nerve root block treatment.
- Your doctor will speak to you about the treatment process and will walk you through what will happen.
- You will need to lie down on an X-ray table and the doctor will position you to access the affected nerve.
- The doctor will then clean the skin around the injection site and will apply local anaesthetic to numb the area.
- Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, the doctor will carefully insert a thin needle near the nerve root causing your pain.
- A mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid medication is slowly injected through the needle.
- The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied to the area treated.
The procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive, providing you with long-lasting pain relief, without having to go down the route of surgical treatment.
Watch this helpful animated video to get a good understanding on what to expect during treatment – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaybEnBHDto
Are there any side effects and complications for Nerve Root Block treatment for sciatica?
Like with most treatments, nerve root block injections come with some potential side effects and risks, though they’re rarely serious. Below is a list of some common side effects to be aware of:
- You can expect soreness or bruising around the injection site. This will generally last a couple of days.
- Patients often experience mild pain or discomfort around the injection site, which usually subsides after a day or two.
- Some might feel light-headed or dizzy post treatment. This is quite a common side effect and will subside soon after.
- Whilst rare, there’s a small chance of an infection where the needle enters the skin.
- Another rare side effect is having an allergic reaction to the treatment. Please speak to your doctor beforehand if you have a history of allergies.
How can the side effects for nerve root block injections be overcome?
Whilst not all side effects for nerve root block injections can be overcome, there are some steps you can take for preventative measures.
- Soreness or bruising: Apply a cold compress to the injected area and avoid strenuous exercise for at least one week post treatment.
- Mild pain or discomfort: Use over-the-counter pain relief (when advised by your doctor) and do some light stretches.
- Light-headedness: Sit or lie down after the procedure and have something to eat after your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Who are nerve root block injections for?
Nerve root block injections are for patients experiencing nerve-related pain that hasn’t improved with rest, medication or physical therapy. This non-invasive treatment is often recommended for those with conditions that cause inflammation or pressure on spinal nerves, such as sciatica, spinal stenosis, herniated discs and many other conditions. (please refer to our section on ‘conditions treated with nerve root block injections for a full list of conditions). Nerve root block injections are especially useful for those looking for non-surgical pain relief, or when doctors need to identify the exact nerve causing the symptoms. If you’re dealing with persistent back, leg or arm pain, this treatment might be an option worth exploring.
Nerve root block injections cost
Costs for nerve root block injections vary depending on factors such as the severity of pain, the affected area and how many sessions of treatment you’ll require. Prices start from £975 at Manx Pain Clinic. Book a consultation today for a thorough examination and treatment plan.
How long do nerve root block injections last for?
How long the relief lasts depends on factors like the underlying condition, the severity of nerve inflammation and individual response to the treatment. Some patients enjoy months of pain relief, while others may need repeat injections or additional treatments. Typically, injections can be repeated up to three or four times a year if needed.
How long does it take to work?
The steroid medication, which reduces inflammation around the nerve, usually takes 2 to 5 days to begin working fully. For some patients, the most noticeable relief may not be experienced until a week or more after the injection.
Book a nerve block injection treatment appointment with Dr Dashfield
If you’re ready to take control of sharp, shooting pain, discover lasting relief at Manx Pain Clinic. Book your consultation today and let us help you get back to living life comfortably.