Overview
A selective nerve root injection places a small amount of medication (local anaesthetic ± steroid) near a single spinal nerve where it exits the spine. It is used when a specific nerve root is irritated — for example by a herniated disc — and causes sharp, shooting pain down the arm or leg. The injection reduces inflammation and can give quick pain relief and help decide the next steps in treatment. Image guidance makes the procedure safe and precise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. When performed under image guidance by an experienced specialist, complications are uncommon.
Some patients feel pain relief within hours to days; others improve over 1–2 weeks.
Relief may last from weeks to several months.
Often it can delay or avoid surgery, but this depends on the underlying problem.
Yes, if you get good relief, repeat injections can be considered.
