Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Spinal Fusion Alternatives

Pain Management Procedures

Diagnostic Procedures

Monthly Newsletter Registration

Join our monthly newsletter to receive updated spine health and treatment information.

Nerve Root Blocks

What Is a Nerve Root Block?

A nerve root block is the injection of a therapeutic steroid and local anesthetic medication under X-ray guidance into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column (nerve root). Nerve root block injections can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Pain relief resulted from nerve root blocks ranges from minimal to long-term. If a patient experiences a period of sustained pain relief from the injection, the injection may be repeated for further pain relief. Sometimes, nerve root block is conducted to help the physician determine whether or not surgery will be helpful and if yes, at what level of the spine the surgery should be performed.

Your pain may be improved immediately after a nerve root block injection. The steroid used in nerve block injections, however, usually takes two or three days to start to have an effect in most people, peaking in about two weeks. If you experience local tenderness after receiving nerve block injections, use an ice pack three to four times a day to help alleviate the tenderness. Remember to keep track of the amount of pain relief you have received and how long the relief lasts, because this information may help your physician in determining your next treatment.

Please keep in mind that nerve root blocks are used to improve your symptoms, not remove the pain generator. So if you do not have painful symptoms, the nerve root blocks will not be beneficial to you. If this is the case, please cancel your appointment and reschedule the exam once your symptoms have returned.

Will I Have Restrictions on the Day of the Procedure?

Because a local anesthetic is used in the injection, you may not drive for the rest of the day after your nerve root block. A responsible adult must be present to drive you home or to accompany you in a taxi. Additionally, no heat is to be used on the injected area for the remainder of the day. No tub bath, shower, or soaking in water the day of your nerve block injections as well. You may, however, resume normal diet and medications after the nerve root block procedure unless told otherwise by your doctor.

What Are the Risks of Nerve Root Blocks?

As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks and complications associated with nerve block injections. However, in general, the risk is low and complications are rare. Potential risks and complications that may occur from a nerve root block injection include allergic reactions to the medication, discomfort at the injection site, bleeding, and infections, although rare.

After receiving nerve root block injections, some patients may also experience side effects such as weakness or numbness that can last for several hours. Patients with diabetes may have a temporary elevation of blood sugar levels.