What is an Anti-Inflammatory Nerve Root Injection?

A nerve root injection works by delivering an anti-inflammatory medication directly to the area surrounding the inflamed or compressed nerve root, which is often the source of the pain radiating from the spine to the arm or leg.

Pressure or inflammation on the nerve roots causes painful nerve signals to be sent to the brain. When a substance containing corticosteroids and a local anesthetic is injected near this root, the following occurs:

• The inflammation in the surrounding tissues of the nerve is reduced.
• The pressure on the nerve root is alleviated.
• Excessive nerve signals responsible for pain perception are slowed down.
• Blood flow to the nerve improves, aiding in its recovery.

Radiological guidance (such as X-rays or CT scans) is usually employed to ensure accurate delivery of the medication to the affected site. This precision plays a critical role in improving the injection’s effectiveness and minimizing the impact on surrounding tissues.

Although both types of injections are used to relieve pain caused by spinal or joint issues, there are clear differences between them in terms of purpose, injection site, and mechanism of action.

Targeted Area

• Corticosteroid Injections: These are often injected into the joint (such as the knee or shoulder) or around the vertebrae, aiming to reduce inflammation in the affected area in general.
• Nerve Root Injection: These are injected directly next to the nerve root emerging from the spine, often under radiological guidance to ensure accurate medication delivery to the affected nerve.

Mechanism of Action

• Corticosteroid Injections: These work by reducing inflammation in the tissues surrounding the joint or vertebrae, leading to a reduction in pain and stiffness.
• Nerve Root Injections: In addition to reducing inflammation, these injections aim to block excessive nerve signals that transmit pain from the nerve to the brain.

Types of Conditions Treated

• Corticosteroid Injections: Used for conditions such as arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, or lower back pain not directly related to nerve root compression.
• Nerve Root Injections: These are specifically for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or any direct nerve compression causing pain radiating to the arm or leg (such as sciatica).

Precision and Guidance

• Corticosteroid Injections: These may sometimes be performed without radiological guidance in certain cases.
• Nerve Root Injections: These always require radiological guidance (fluoroscopy or CT scanning) to ensure precise targeting of the nerve site.

Rapid Relief of Nerve Pain

One of the most notable benefits is reducing pain caused by nerve irritation or compression, such as:

• Sciatica pain
• Arm pain due to nerve compression in the neck
• Lower back pain radiating to the leg

Improvement usually begins within a few days, and some patients may experience immediate relief due to the local anesthetic accompanying the corticosteroid.

Reduction of Local Inflammation

The injection often contains corticosteroid medication that helps reduce inflammation around the nerve root, relieving pressure and promoting the natural healing of the tissues.

Improved Mobility and Daily Activity

Once the pain decreases, the patient feels improvement in their ability to walk, bend, or sit for longer periods without discomfort, restoring some of the quality of life lost due to chronic pain.

Delay or Avoidance of Surgery

In some cases, the injection can help avoid or delay the need for surgical intervention, especially if the condition responds well to conservative treatment.

Enhanced Physical Therapy Outcomes

When pain is reduced, it becomes easier for the patient to engage in physical therapy exercises regularly and more effectively, which enhances recovery outcomes.

Patients with Acute Nerve Pain

People suffering from severe nerve pain such as lower back or neck pain caused by nerve compression may be good candidates for nerve root injections. These injections can provide fast relief when other treatments are ineffective.

Patients with Herniated Discs

If the pain is caused by a herniated disc compressing a nerve root, a nerve root injection may help reduce the inflammation around the nerve and alleviate pain.

People with Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve root compression. Nerve root injections are useful for providing relief from the resulting pain.