Nerve Root Block

Lying on your stomach, your lower back will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and the skin will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopy guidance, the radiologist will direct a small needle next to the selected nerve. A small amount of contrast will be injected to assure proper placement of the needle. Next, a local anesthetic and steroid medication will be injected slowly around the nerve. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. You may feel mild pressure, tingling or cramping in your legs and buttocks. These are normal sensations.

The period of relief following the injection varies from patient to patient. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure, complications are rare but possible:

• arachnoiditis or scarring of the nerves - this is a rare complication
• temporary increased pain after the procedure
• inadvertent puncture of the spinal canal which could cause headache among other symptoms and may require rescheduling of the steroid injection
• adverse reaction to contrast material used, which contains iodine.

No preparation is required, but you must arrange to have someone drive you home after the appointment. Please inform your doctor and the radiologist if you are allergic to iodine, contrast material or X-ray dye so that you can be pre-medicated. Also, be sure to bring any previous X-ray, MRI or CT images/reports to your appointment.

One of our subspecialized physicians will review your scan and send a report to your physician. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results.

Carolinas Imaging Services - SouthPark
Carolinas Medical Center
CMC - Mercy
Atrium Health Pineville
Atrium Health Union
Atrium Health University City
Carolinas Healthcare System - NorthEast

This procedure requires a physician referral. Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician's order and any pre-authorization information required by your insurance or health plan provider in hand, and call 704-442-4390.

Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. For questions regarding insurance coverage, and/or billing please call 704-362-7020.