A nerve root block is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve lower back and leg pain caused by irritation or inflammation of a spinal nerve as it exits the spine. At Atlas Pain Specialists, Dr Sean Ormond uses nerve root blocks to help patients whose pain is linked to conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. These conditions often cause symptoms like sharp lower back pain, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates down the leg, commonly referred to as sciatica.
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic combined with an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid near the affected nerve root using precise imaging guidance. The anesthetic helps confirm that the correct nerve is being treated by providing short term relief, while the steroid works over time to reduce inflammation and swelling around the nerve. This allows the nerve root block to serve both a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose, helping guide future treatment decisions.
Nerve root blocks are typically performed on an outpatient basis and require minimal recovery time. Many patients experience immediate improvement from the anesthetic, followed by longer lasting relief as inflammation decreases over the next several days. Dr Sean Ormond carefully evaluates each patient at Atlas Pain Specialists to determine whether a nerve root block is appropriate and how it fits into a broader non surgical pain management plan focused on reducing pain.
