NERVE ROOT BLOCK INJECTION
A Nerve root block injection is a procedure or treatment for the patient suffering from back pain. The role of nerve root block is to relieve the patient of the pain and reduce inflamation as well. The nerve root block injection is basically a combination of steroid and anaesthetic drug that reduces the inflamation and numbs the pain. It is especially for the patients who are suffering from back pain that radiates down to legs, for example sciatica pain. It has to be understood that this may just be a short period treatment for conditions such as nerve compression. The final and best treatment still remains a microscopic or endoscopic surgery.
PROCEDURE
A nerve root block injection is an OPD procedure and takes 30 mins to 1 hr. It is given under local anaesthesia and sometimes under X-ray guidance. Our spine specialist Dr Sudeep Jain uses this procedure for the patients who are not yet ready for the surgery or want to wait for some time before the surgery. This procedure gives some time to the patient to think and plan for the surgery. The nerve root block injection at spine clinic in New Delhi is given in a set of three injections over a period of 2 to 4 months depending upon case to case. However, patient feels the difference in pain after first or the second injection only. It is advised that you should avoid driving yourself atleast for one day after taking the injection.
PRECAUTIONS & EFFICACY
Nerve root injections are a safe and effective treatment for pain that radiates from the spine. Immediately following the procedure, you should not drive for several hours because you may experience temporary numbness or weakness in an area such as arm or leg.
It’s recommended that you take it easy the day of the procedure, but return to your usual activities the following day. Although initially you might have some soreness at the injection site, the benefit from these injections will typically occur a few days following the procedure. This is given for both cases of cervical spine or the neck pain and for lumbar spine or the lower back pain. Good results are seen in the cases with nerve compression with nerve root injection administration. Patient generally feels better after the complete course of injections for about 12 to 24 months.
