These are procedures which are designed to decrease pain and inflammation around the inflamed and irritated nerve root(s) in the vertebral canal. The patient is taken inside the operating room where the surgeon localises the target level using a special fluoroscopy machine to deliver a cocktail consisting of a steroid injection and an anesthetic.
Caudal block
Root block
FAQs
Can this be done on an out-patient basis? - Yes, the procedure can be done on an out-patient basis.
Yes, the procedure can be done on an out-patient basis.
2. Does this have any advantage over spine surgery? -
Since there are no incisions, the recovery is much faster than a spine surgery. It is both diagnostic as well as therapeutic.
3. Does this procedure have any disadvantages? - Since the main pathology (herniated disc) is not removed, the symptoms can recur again. The extent of decrease in pain as well as the duration of pain free time interval is also not predictable.
Since the main pathology (herniated disc) is not removed, the symptoms can recur again. The extent of decrease in pain as well as the duration of pain free time interval is also not predictable.
4. Will any physiotherapy be needed after the procedure is done? -
Yes, physiotherapy exercises need to be done for a couple of months after the procedure.
5. What are the risks of the procedure? -
It is a relatively risk free procedure. Some pain might persist at the injection site for a couple of days after the procedure is done.