Dorsal root ganglion block
If you are experiencing sciatica and related back pain, we can help relieve the pain with a spinal nerve block injectionSciatica and associated back pain is often attributed to irritated or compressed spinal nerves. Dorsal root ganglion (or nerve root) injection is a treatment to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve and ease your leg and back pain over an extended period of time. It can also be used to assist diagnosis of your condition and gain a better understanding of the particular area causing pain.
A multidisciplinary team of specialists to treat your back pain
We work with specialists that are experienced in all aspects of pain management and where needed will work with a wider, multidisciplinary team to help diagnose the cause of your condition to get you on your way to fast, effective treatment. If your diagnosis highlights the need for additional treatment to support your back pain, your Consultant will help you to arrange this.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need a procedure or surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
FAQs
Where will my procedure take place?
Regardless of where you had your initial consultation, all surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including scans and tests, and follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
What does a dorsal root ganglion nerve block involve?
A dorsal root ganglion nerve block is a day case procedure that is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is carried out under X-ray screening. The team will help you get into the correct position (lying on your stomach) and apply an antiseptic solution, which may feel very cold, to clean your back. A local anaesthetic will be inserted to numb the insertion area. Sedation may be used if you are very anxious about hospital procedures.
It is important that you keep still during the procedure as the needle will be accurately inserted. Dye will be injected so that the location of the needle can be clearly seen on an X-ray. Local anaesthetic and steroid will then be injected around the target dorsal root ganglion (spinal nerve root) to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Will it hurt?
There can be contact with the nerve during needle placement or pressure from the injection. This may be painful but your Consultant will make adjustments during your procedure. There can be an initial period of discomfort before you start experiencing the pain relief. During this period, you may need to increase your pain killers. Your Consultant will discuss this with you before leaving the hospital.
Do I need to be taken home?
Once the procedure has been completed you will be taken back to the day case ward where you will recover before being allowed home. Please ensure that you have arranged for someone to drive you home just in case there is a little numbness in your leg or sedation has been used.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.