Every MRI explained before you decide
Non-surgical options are always tried first
The treatment
What is Nerve Root Block and Pain Management?
A selective nerve root block places a small dose of medicine right next to the irritated nerve, under live X-ray guidance. It reduces swelling around the nerve and gives relief from leg or arm pain.
Other options include a caudal epidural injection for lower back and leg pain, and facet joint injections for back pain from the small joints of the spine. These are combined with medicines and a physiotherapy plan.
Who needs it
- Sciatica or arm pain from a disc bulge
- Back pain that is not improving with medicines and physiotherapy
- Patients who want to avoid or delay surgery
- Patients who are not fit for surgery
- To find which nerve is causing the pain
Benefits
Why patients choose it
- No cut, no stitches
- Same-day procedure
- Often avoids or delays surgery
- Helps you start physiotherapy sooner
Recovery
What recovery usually looks like
Same day
Walk and go home
Day 2 to 3
Back to normal routine
Week 1 to 2
Full effect of the injection
Week 2 onward
Physiotherapy and core exercises
Every patient is different. Dr. Nitish gives you a personal recovery plan.
Cost and insurance
Most health insurance and TPA policies cover spine treatment, and cashless is usually possible. See the full cost guide for details.
Questions patients ask
Nerve Root Block and Pain Management: your questions
Have a question about your own MRI? Send it on WhatsApp and the clinic will guide you.
Is a nerve root block painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia with a thin needle. Most patients feel only mild pressure. One patient wrote that his root block was completely painless.
How long does the relief last?
It varies. For many patients the relief lasts long enough for the disc to heal and for exercises to keep the pain away.
Can it cure a slip disc?
It treats the nerve swelling that causes the pain. Many slipped discs then heal on their own over a few weeks, with exercises and good posture.
How many injections will I need?
Often one. Sometimes a second injection is advised after a few weeks, depending on your response.
Your surgeon
Dr. Nitish Agarwal, Consultant Spine Surgeon
MBBS, Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Spine Surgery · MMC Reg. No. 2013103163 · 15+ years, 5000+ spine surgeries
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