One nerve at a time
Anaesthetic is placed precisely around a single nerve root as it exits the spine, isolating it from its neighbours.
Diagnostics · Invasive
Diagnostic Periradicular Injection
A diagnostic injection around a specific nerve root to help identify the source of radiating pain.
What it is
Interrogate one nerve root
When leg or arm pain could come from any of several worn levels, guessing wastes operations. A periradicular injection numbs a single root under imaging guidance — and your response names the level surgery must address.
Pain relief as proof
If your radiating leg or arm pain fades while that root is numb, the culprit level is identified — even when scans show several worn levels.
Settling multi-level doubt
Scans often implicate more than one level. A selective block distinguishes the symptomatic one from innocent bystanders.
Temporary by design
The numbness lasts hours. The test maps the pain; definitive treatment of the confirmed level is planned separately.
Invasive diagnostics are used only when the result will change the plan. Suitability is assessed individually.
Common questions
Things patients ask us
How is this different from an epidural?
An epidural bathes a region; a periradicular injection targets one specific root. The former treats more broadly, the latter diagnoses more precisely.
Will it hurt?
The skin is numbed first and guidance keeps the needle path exact. Most people feel brief pressure or a fleeting reproduction of their radiating pain — which is informative.
What must I disclose beforehand?
Blood thinners, infections, allergies, diabetes and pregnancy all matter. Bring a full medication list so the team can plan safely.
What happens after a positive result?
The team explains which treatments address that exact level and nerve, including what each involves and its limits.
Start with your case.
Send your history and any imaging you already have. The ProSpine team will review your case and respond with the next steps.
Free · No obligation · Reviewed by the ProSpine team