What is a spinal nerve root block injection?
This is an injection of medicine, commonly steroids or local anaesthetic, around a nerve as it leaves your spine in your back. These nerves travel to your arms and legs. Swelling near nerve roots can feel like pins and needles or pain.
Why do I need a spinal nerve root injection?
The injection is usually done to relieve pain and swelling around the nerve. It is commonly used for leg pain (sciatica) or back pain. It can be used to help find the source of the pain.
How do I get a spinal nerve root block?
This procedure can be covered by either the NHS or privately. Orthopaedic, sports & exercise medicine, neurosurgical or pain management consultants can offer this procedure. The injection is usually done in a clinic or day case.
You can find a consultant surgeon using the search function on our website . Even though it’s done privately, it’s still important to let your GP know you’re thinking about having a spinal injection.
What is injected when I have a spinal nerve root block?
- A local anaesthetic to help numb the skin and nerve
- A steroid to help reduce inflammation
- A dye that is only visible on x-ray
The local anaesthetic helps provide short term relief while the steroid has a chance to reduce inflammation. This can take up to six weeks. Pain may return. You may require more than one injection or other treatments.
How do I decide on a spinal nerve root block?
You’ll have an initial consultation with a consultant surgeon to talk about what types and locations the injection might be suitable for you. They’ll go through the benefits and possible risks, as well as discussing any alternatives.
What happens before the procedure?
You will be given the injection using local anaesthetic (where the area being treated is numbed).
What happens during the spinal nerve root block?
Someone on your healthcare team will be show you to a cubicle where you will be asked to undress in private and put on a gown.
You will lie on your front. The procedure takes 10-20 minutes. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin. A fine needle is guided towards the nerve root using x-ray or ultrasound. Then the local anaesthetic and steroid are injected.
You will be monitored after the procedure. You may be advised to not drive and should arrange for someone to collect you.
Recovery and what to expect after
The following is only a guideline, your surgeon will advise you on how long your own recovery might expect to take.
Your back may feel sore near the injection site. You should be able to complete your normal activities.
- Day 1: You may feel some immediate pain relief from the local anaesthetic.
- Day 2: Remove the dressing if used.
- Week 1: You can resume normal exercise and heavy lifting.
- Week 2: Week 6: You pain may vary as the steroid takes effect.
What are the risks of this a spinal nerve root block?
All surgical procedures carry some risk of complications. Here are some of the most common complications associated with a spinal nerve root injection.
- Bleeding and bruising
- Damage to the lining around the nerve which may cause a severe headache for a few days.
- Facial flushing for a few days.
- Temporary disruption to your menstrual cycle.
- If you are diabetic, then the steroids may raise your glucose levels.
More serious complications include allergic reactions to the anaesthetic, infection at the injection site or difficulty emptying your bladder.
The injection may not achieve your desired pain relief and an alternative treatment needed.
You’ll be given information on what to look out for and what to do if you develop any complications. Your doctor can also tell you how likely they are to affect you.
How effective are spinal nerve root blocks?
For spinal or arm/leg (radicular pain) lasting longer than 3 months, spinal nerve root injections are not recommended by the British Medical Journal.
How much do spinal nerve root block injections cost?
As a surgical procedure, you can get a spinal nerve injection funded through either private medical insurance or self-fund.
Spinal nerve root injections costs in the UK vary. Costs of different techniques will also differ.
Typically, an initial consultation with the surgeon will cost between £100 and £250, depending on where you live. If you move forwards with the procedure, you’ll be offered one of the following.
- An all-inclusive ‘ package price ’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Typically, this can range from £2,000-£3,000. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
- A ‘ fee-per-service ’ deal, where you receive different invoices from the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the hospital. You often won’t know the full costs until you receive the invoices.
For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay .
