Nerve root injections are often prescribed when there are issues diagnosing the source of spinal pain through diagnostic imaging tools such as MRI or CT scans, but it is suspected that the spinal nerves are the cause of the symptoms. Spinal nerves pass through a small opening in the spine, and if these are pinched or impinged upon, shooting radiating pain, tingling or numbness along the nerve path can result. A nerve root block is an injection that can help reduce the pain by using an anti-inflammatory steroid medication (cortisone) at the nerve root.
For information about the post care instructions, click here.
Spinal nerves pass through a small opening in the spine, and if these are pinched or impinged upon, shooting radiating pain, tingling or numbness along the nerve path can result.
You may be a candidate for nerve root block treatment if you have pain stemming from nerves running along the spine.
If you are taking a blood thinner, you may need to discontinue this prior to treatment. Please contact our booking team and consult with your doctor for further instructions.
Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You may be instructed to change into a gown for your procedure.
You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the recommended pain management treatment.
Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be asked to lie down on the exam table, face down, and your back will be exposed. The targeted area will be cleaned and sterilized. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, fluoroscopy will be used in real-time to guide the injection. Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray imaging. The Radiologist will advance the needle to the foraminal space where the nerve exits the spine, and an anesthetic and corticosteroid (cortisone) will be injected.
Following your injection, you will be directed to our recovery area for a brief observation period. One of our Nurses will review the post-procedure care with you prior to you leaving. You will not be permitted to drive immediately following this procedure, please arrange transportation to and from your appointment.
Patients can expect to experience decreased levels of pain if the targeted nerves in your nerve root block treatment are the source of your pain.
This procedure is performed using a sterile technique, rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding. If you have diabetes, you may experience a temporary elevation in you blood sugar because of the corticosteroid (cortisone) medication.
Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally.
You can perform your normal daily activities but avoid strenuous activities for the next 3-4 days following the treatment.
For information about the post care instructions, click here.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please
contact us. We look forward to supporting your journey to better health.
Dr. Clerk is a radiologist and fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with a wide array of experience in both interventional pain management and diagnostic imaging. In addition to providing expert patient care, Dr. Clerk places utmost importance on building a compassionate practice that recognizes patients as people, not numbers.
When you choose Beam, you can be confident that Dr. Clerk will stay with you throughout your care journey and help you make smart decisions about your pain and imaging needs.
Université de Sherbrooke
Medical School
Université de Sherbrooke
Residency | Diagnostic Radiology
Harvard Medical School
Fellowship | Neuroradiology
The Spine Fracture Institute
Fellowship | Interventional Pain Management