Nerve Root Block

A nerve root block is a steroid injection (also known as cortisone or hydrocortisone injections) into the area where the nerve exits the spinal column. It is recommended to treat trapped, compressed or irritated nerves in the back or neck, or may be used for diagnosis to confirm if limb pain is being caused by a compressed nerve root.

Trapped or compressed nerves can cause sciatica in the leg or brachialgia in the arm. Trapped nerves are caused by a narrowed exit hole (foraminal stenosis), slipped disc, or by a slipped back bone (spondylolisthesis). Injecting around the nerve root just as it leaves the spine can help relieve the pain in the affected limb.

The nerve root block injection contains a local anaesthetic to numb the pain and a steroid (corticosteroid) to help reduce swelling and inflammation. 

What happens during this procedure?

Your consultant will ensure that the area of skin to be injected is clean. He or she will then inject local anaesthetic into the area of skin surrounding the injection site. Under the guidance of a live X-ray your consultant will gently insert a needle into the exit hole of the nerve root suspected to be the cause of pain. The medicine is then injected through the needle to the area around the nerve root. You will feel some pressure when the needle is inserted, and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation, but most injections are relatively painless.

How long will it take to recover?

You should be able to go home within an hour of having a nerve root block.  You will not be able to drive as your leg or arm is likely to feel slightly numb for a few hours afterwards.

When you get home, you should rest for about 24 hours. It is quite common to have some pain or discomfort in the back for a few days after the procedure, particularly at the injection site.  You can take painkillers and use an ice pack to help.

Pain relief varies for each patient. Relief may be immediate, after 12 – 24 hours, or a slow improvement over several weeks. Long term success is also variable.  In some cases, pain can be completely relieved and not return. In others, pain may only be reduced for a period of time.

If pain returns after a period of sustained pain relief from the injection, the nerve root block may be repeated.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic or Pain Management consultant, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation. Nerve root block injections are available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.  

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Nerve Root Block treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Hatfield

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in December 2017
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire, St Albans, Stevenage, Watford, North London, Welwyn or Bedfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.