Nerve Root Block 

What is it?

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​This procedure is an injection of steroid (strong anti-inflammatory) and local anaesthetic around an inflamed and irritated nerve root. It can be very effective at relieving sciatica pain.

What happens on the day?

This is a quick day case procedure performed under sedation or local anaesthetic.  We therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  We also ask that someone brings the patient home.

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Patients lie on their front and a cannula is inserted into their hand to facilitate the sedation if required. Once sedated, the injection is administered under x-ray guidance. Patients usually leave the hospital within an hour or two of the injection.  The patient may experience temporary numbness and weakness in the distribution of the injected nerve root.  This is normal and will settle over the next few hours.

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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks thus giving time for the injection to work. It is helpful to keep a pain diary during this period.  If there are any signs of discharge, redness or swelling at the injection site, worsening or a persistent headache, then early medical attention should be sought.