Select Nerve Root Block FAQ's
Question: Will this procedure be painful?
Answer:
A local anesthetic is administered which momentarily stings. Immediately following this, the skin is numb. The facet injection itself is not typically painful. If there is pain, it is usually momentary discomfort. If you have pain during the procedure, be sure to tell the radiologist, as this is important information.
Question: How do you know what levels to inject?
Answer:
The radiologist will review your imaging studies prior to the procedure, including any X-rays, CT scans and/or MRI scans. We look to see what nerves look compressed impinged upon or perhaps a potential cause of pain. This information is then correlated with your symptoms, including the side and level of symptoms, and then the appropriate levels are determined.
Question: Will I be sedated for the procedure?
Answer:
No, not usually. We can certainly perform sedation depending on a patient’s level of comfort or discomfort, but it is not usually necessary. If we do use conscious sedation, an IV will be placed prior to the procedure and a small amount of sedative will be administered. You will be monitored during this time. Be sure to tell the nurse or doctor of any drug allergies you may have.
Question: How long will it take?
Answer:
The actual procedure typically takes about 20-40 minutes. We usually have the patient stay in the recovery room following the examination long enough to assess their pain response, and then they are discharged.
Question: Can I go to work after the procedure?
Answer:
We typically advise patients to take it easy following the procedure, with no strenuous activity or lifting. Sometimes we will leave it up to the patient, depending on how they feel, and the type of work they do, as to whether they can resume work that day.
Question: What happens after the exam?
Answer:
The results of the exam are immediately communicated to your referring physician, so that you and your referring doctor can come up with a plan to manage the back pain.
Question: What gets injected during the procedure?
Answer:
We inject a very small amount of anesthetic and steroid. Be sure and tell the nurse or radiologist if you have any medication or antibiotic allergies.
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