Lumbar Nerve Root Injection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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A lumbar nerve root injection is a procedure to inject medicines at the nerve roots of your lumbar (lower back) spine. This procedure is done to decrease inflammation and pain.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
• Local anesthesia is medicine injected into the skin. It is used to numb the area and dull your pain during your procedure. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
• An IV is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

During your procedure:

• You will lie on your stomach, with your body slightly turned to the side. A pillow may be placed under your abdomen, or you may be asked to bend one or both knees.
• A thin needle will be inserted near your lumbar spine to the affected nerve root. Your healthcare provider will use an x-ray with contrast liquid or a CT scan to help guide the needle. He or she will place the needle tip near the nerve root. Your provider will inject medicines, such as steroids and anesthesia. After the procedure, the injection sites will be covered with bandages to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

After your procedure:

You will be taken to a recovery room to rest. Healthcare providers will watch you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When healthcare providers see that you are okay, you may be able to go home.

• Bandages will cover the procedure area. The bandages keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection. A healthcare provider may remove the bandages soon after your procedure to check the injection sites.
• Medicines may be given to treat pain, swelling, or fever, or to prevent an infection.

RISKS:

You may get an infection or have bleeding. Other parts near your spine, such as nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, muscles, and bones, may be damaged. The medicines may spread in areas near the lumbar nerve root and cause numbness in these areas. You may still have leg or lower back pain.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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