Lumbar Nerve Root Block injection

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Lumbar Nerve Root Block injection

IMPORTANT: Please inform the doctor or nurse if you are pregnant or likely to be
pregnant as this injection is performed with the aid of x-ray machines and uses
radiopaque dye. Please also inform the staff if you are allergic to iodine or taking blood
thinning medication.

Frequently asked questions and the answers regarding nerve root block injections.

What is a Nerve Root Block injection?
It is an injection of local anaesthetic and steroid around the nerve root as it comes out
of the spine.

What is the purpose of the injection?
It is for nerve root pain. The aim of the injection is to inject the medication as close to
the nerve root as possible. This may in turn reduce pain, tingling and numbness and
other symptoms, caused by nerve inflammation, irritation or swelling.

How long does the injection take?
The injection takes at least 15 minutes and is performed in a treatment room.

What is actually injected?
The injection consists of a local anaesthetic into the skin and soft tissue and a mixture
of local anaesthetic or saline, and steroid into the foramen. A radiopaque dye is used
to confirm the needle position. This ensures the steroid medication is delivered as
close to the nerve root as possible.

Will the injection hurt?
The doctor will reduce the pain by injecting to numb the skin and deeper tissues with a
local anaesthetic using a very fine needle, prior to inserting the spinal needle. You may
feel pressure and a pushing sensation along with some reproduction of your leg pain.

Will I be put to sleep for the injection?
No, this injection is done under local anaesthetic.

How is the injection performed?
It is performed with the patient lying on their stomach. The area on your back where
the injection will be given will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and sterile sheets will
be placed around the injection site. The injection is carried out with the aid of x-ray
images.

What should I expect after the injection?
Occasionally you may have temporary weakness or numbness of your leg within 10
minutes of the procedure which can last approximately 2 to 3 hours or until the full
effect of the local anaesthetic has worn off. Great care should be taken when getting
up from the bed after the procedure. Following the injection, you will be taken to
recovery where you will be given a hot drink.

What should I do after the procedure?
We advise you NOT TO drive for 24 hours following the injection, and take it easy for
the rest of the day and then resume normal activities as tolerated. (Driving may
invalidate your car insurance for a period following treatment).

How long will the injection last?
The steroid usually starts working in about 5 to 10 days or up to 2 weeks and its
effects can last for several days to several months.

Benefits
Nerve root block injections can ease:
 Nerve root pain causing sciatica
 Offers a window of opportunity to be able to increase your level of activity, in
order to manage your pain better.

Risks & Complications
 For some people the injection may not work at all.
 Headache
 There may be temporary exacerbation of your pain and stiffness after the
injection.
 Temporary facial flushing and weight gain (steroid effect).
 Can lower blood pressure at the time of injection.
 Temporary increase in blood sugar.
 Temporary menstrual disturbances.
 May cause dimpling or discolouration of the skin at the site of the injection.
 As with any injection there is a slight chance of getting an infection where the
needle is placed
 There is a small risk of nerve damage (less than 1:10,000 chance) which may
be severe and permanent e.g. numbness, new nerve pain, pins and needles,
weakness etc.
 Rare risks include bleeding around the nerve root and allergic reaction.

Alternative Treatments
Apart from nerve root block injections, there are other pain reducing therapies
which may help including:
 Pain relieving medicines
 Physiotherapy
 Functional Restoration Programme
 TENS
 Self help

CONTACTS
Should you require help or advice please contact your Specialist Nurse:
Worcestershire Royal Hospital
Monday – Thursday
Tel: 01905 733313
Answer Phone Service
Kidderminster Treatment Centre
Tel: 01562 512 379
Evesham Community Hospital
Tel: 07436 038 681
Or
Your local GP/Primary Care Unit
If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best
placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of
staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer
informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can
investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing
and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PET@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4.30pm and
Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that a voicemail service is in use at busy
times, but messages will be returned as quickly as possible.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of
staff.

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