When you’re dealing with nerve pain, it can feel like you’re stuck in a constant battle with your own body. Whether it’s shooting pain down your leg, a burning sensation in your back, or that annoying numbness in your arm, nerve-related issues can really mess with your day-to-day life. If you’re here, you’re probably exploring options for relief of chronic nerve pain in Bedford, Benbrook & Flower Mound TX—and you might have come across something called a root block. Let’s take a closer look at what that is and how it can help you!
What Is a Root Block?
A root block (or nerve root block) is a type of injection that can target specific nerves in your spine. The goal of this procedure is to calm down the irritated nerve that is causing you pain. This can give your nerves a break to stop sending the pain signals to your brain—resulting in more comfortable days.
How Does It Work?
During the procedure, your doctor will inject a small amount of medication (usually a mix of a numbing agent and anti-inflammatory steroids) near the nerve root that’s causing the problem. It’s done under X-ray guidance to make sure they hit the right spot. The whole thing usually takes less than 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
What Conditions Can Root Blocks Help With?
Root blocks are often used for conditions like:
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Nerve compression issues
Basically, if your pain is coming from a nerve in your spine, a root block could be an option to help ease that discomfort.
What Can You Expect?
First off, don’t stress! We know some treatments can be scary, but this is a very straightforward procedure. You might feel a little pressure during the injection but afterward, you could feel relief almost immediately due to the numbing medication. The steroid part kicks in over the next few days, giving you longer-lasting relief. Some people experience pain relief for weeks, while others get relief for months. Everyone’s different—but if it works well for you, we may recommend another round.
Are There Any Risks?
Root blocks are minimally invasive and low risk. Possible risks could include:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site
- Rarely, infection or bleeding
- Allergic reaction to the medication
Your doctor will go over all of this with you before the procedure so you know what to expect.
Is a Root Block Right for You?
If you want to for sure if a root block is right for you, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our pain management doctors in Bedford, Benbrook & Flower Mound, TX. While this is not a permanent fix, it can offer significant relief and help you get back to doing what you love!
Root Block Treatment in Bedford, Benbrook & Flower Mound, TX
At the Comprehensive Pain Institute, we’re dedicated to providing compassionate, innovative care that goes above and beyond for our patients. Guided by our core values—honor, excellence, commitment, and compassion—we treat every patient like family, focusing on you as a person, not just your pain. If you’re wondering whether a root block might be right for you, we’d love to talk. Schedule your appointment today. Reach out to one of our pain management clinics in Bedford, Benbrook or Flower Mound, TX!
