What is a Nerve Root Injection?

A Nerve Root Injection is a procedure used to diagnose and treat pain caused by irritation or
inflammation of a spinal nerve as it exits the spine. It involves injecting a combination of
steroid and local anaesthetic near the affected nerve root to reduce inflammation and relieve
pain.

What conditions do we offer this for?

Nerve root injections are commonly used for:

  • Sciatica
  • Nerve pain following spinal surgery
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Herniated (slipped) disc
  • Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)

Why is it done?

The injection aims to:

  • Reduce nerve inflammation and swelling
  • Relieve radiating nerve pain (e.g., down the leg or arm)
  • Help confirm which nerve is causing the pain (diagnostic benefit)
  • Improve function and support physiotherapy or rehabilitation

What does the procedure involve?

  • You will lie on your front or side on an X-ray or ultrasound table.
  • The skin over the area will be cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
  • Using imaging guidance, a fine needle is positioned close to the affected nerve root.
  • A small amount of steroid and anaesthetic is injected.

The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is done as a day case.

Benefits

  • Targeted pain relief
  • Reduced need for strong pain medications
  • Improved mobility and quality of life
  • May delay or avoid surgery
  • Useful for diagnosing the exact source of nerve pain

Side Effects

Very Common side effects

(may affect more than 1in 10 patients):
  • Pain & bruising at injection site
  • Temporary increase in nerve pain
  • Facial flushing or warmth
  • Mild headache

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10 patients):
  • Insomnia
  • Increased blood sugar (especially in diabetics)
  • Nausea

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,00 patients):
  • Temporary leg numbness or weakness
  • Dural puncture headache (if spinal fluid is accidentally tapped)

Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 patients):
  • Infection at the injection site
  • Bleeding or haematoma
  • Nerve damage, paralysis
  • Allergic reaction to medication

Aftercare Advice

  • You can usually go home within an hour after the procedure.
  • Avoid driving for 12–24 hours.
  • Some increase in symptoms is possible for 24–48 hours before improvement begins.
  • Gradually return to normal activities.
  • If you are diabetic, monitor your blood sugar more frequently for a few days.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical help (attend A&E) if you experience:

  • Fever or chills
  • New or worsening numbness or weakness
  • Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
  • Severe or persistent headache