Therapeutic function
Local anaesthetic and corticosteroid reduce inflammation, interrupt pain transmission, and can provide meaningful relief lasting weeks to months.
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care is a precision, image-guided injection procedure that delivers local anaesthetic and corticosteroid directly to a specific, identified nerve root, stopping nerve pain at its source, confirming the exact origin of your pain, and restoring function without surgery. Whether you are experiencing sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, or radiating leg or arm pain from a compressed spinal nerve, Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care goes beyond a standalone injection to deliver a complete, expert-led pain recovery plan.
Stop chasing the pain. Start treating the nerve.
What Is a Nerve Root Block?
A nerve root block, also called a selective nerve root block (SNRB) or nerve root block injection, is a minimally invasive, fluoroscopy-guided injection that targets a single, specific nerve root as it exits the spinal canal through the intervertebral foramen.
Unlike an epidural steroid injection that bathes a broader region of the epidural space, an NRB is precisely directed to one nerve root at one spinal level. This precision gives it a dual function that makes it uniquely valuable in spine pain management.
Diagnostic function
Immediate relief confirms that the targeted nerve root is the symptom source and guides subsequent treatment, including whether surgery is needed and at which level.
Single-level precision
Fluoroscopy directs the injection to one nerve root at one spinal level.
Dual-purpose procedure
NRB combines pain relief with information that no scan alone can provide.
How Does a Nerve Root Block Work?
When a disc herniates, a vertebra degenerates, or the foramen narrows, the exiting nerve root is compressed and chemically irritated. The body releases inflammatory mediators, including phospholipase A enzymes, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which sensitise the nerve root and amplify pain transmission along the nerve pathway.
Local anaesthetic blocks sodium channels in the nerve fibre membrane, immediately interrupting pain transmission and sensitised C-fibre activity. This produces rapid but temporary relief and tells the specialist which nerve is responsible.
Corticosteroid, typically betamethasone or methylprednisolone, acts over the following days and weeks to suppress the phospholipase A cascade, reduce perineural oedema, and decrease the inflammatory environment that keeps the nerve sensitised. Together, the two agents address the immediate nerve signal and underlying inflammation, creating a window for meaningful physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Types of Nerve Root Blocks
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care is available across all spinal regions, selected according to diagnosis, imaging, and the nerve root responsible for symptoms.
Cervical nerve root block
Targets neck roots C2-C8 for cervical radiculopathy causing arm or shoulder pain, hand numbness, or weakness. C2-C3 and adjacent levels can address headache and upper-neck pain from cervical nerve compression.
Lumbar nerve root block
Targets L1-S1 roots causing sciatica, radiating leg or foot pain, and weakness. An S1 block is commonly used for outer-foot and calf pain from L5-S1 disc herniation or foraminal stenosis.
Thoracic nerve root block
Targets thoracic roots causing intercostal, chest-wall, or band-like torso pain from conditions such as thoracic disc herniation, compression fracture, or postherpetic neuralgia.
Combined cervical epidural approach
For multilevel cervical pathology, an epidural approach may be combined with selective nerve-root targeting based on MRI and symptom localisation.
Your Interventional Pain Specialist will determine which nerve-root level and approach best matches your diagnosis, imaging, and pain distribution.
Conditions Treated with Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care is recommended for nerve-root-related spinal pain conditions, particularly where the source needs to be precisely identified or conservative treatment has not provided lasting relief:
Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
Radiating leg pain, numbness, or weakness from an irritated L4, L5, or S1 nerve root.
Cervical radiculopathy
Arm pain, hand numbness, or weakness from a compressed cervical nerve root.
Herniated or slipped disc
Single-level disc herniation compressing a specific spinal nerve root.
Foraminal stenosis
Narrowing of the nerve exit channel causing chronic nerve compression.
Post-surgical radicular pain
Persistent nerve-root pain after spinal surgery.
Neuropathic and radicular pain
Targeted treatment at the nerve-root level addresses the sensitised nerve directly rather than relying only on systemic medication.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Persistent pain following a nerve-root distribution after shingles.
Pre-surgical nerve localisation
Confirms the symptomatic spinal level when imaging shows pathology at multiple levels before surgery is planned.
A specialist assessment at Nivaan determines whether Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi is the right choice for your specific diagnosis and imaging.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care works best in carefully selected patients. It may be the right option if you have:
Persistent radiculopathy
Radiating arm or leg pain lasting more than 4-6 weeks despite conservative treatment.
Confirmed imaging finding
A herniated disc or foraminal stenosis at a specific spinal level on MRI.
Dermatomal pain
Pain following the pathway of a specific nerve root.
Pre-surgical localisation
Multilevel pathology where the symptomatic level needs confirmation before surgery.
Inadequate conservative relief
Pain not adequately relieved by physiotherapy, oral anti-inflammatories, or oral steroids.
Surgery-delay objective
A wish to avoid or delay spinal surgery where clinically appropriate, or post-surgical nerve pain at a specific level.
NRB is generally not recommended for active spinal infection, uncontrolled bleeding disorders or anticoagulants that cannot be paused, first-trimester pregnancy where fluoroscopy is involved, contrast or corticosteroid allergy, or active cancer at the injection site. Uncontrolled diabetes requires careful monitoring because corticosteroids elevate blood glucose. Your Nivaan specialist will review your full history and imaging before proceeding.
Best Doctors to Perform Nerve Root Blocks in Delhi
An experienced team, committed to evidence-based care, supports every stage of your recovery.
What Is the Procedure for Nerve Root Block Treatment?
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care is minimally invasive and completed in a single outpatient session.
Before the Procedure
- Review your medical history, current medications, and spinal imaging (MRI or CT)
- Pause NSAIDs and blood thinners for 7 days before the procedure, only on medical advice
- Disclose allergies, particularly to iodine contrast, local anaesthetic, or corticosteroids
- Eat normally and stay well hydrated
- Monitor blood glucose if diabetic because corticosteroids can cause a temporary rise
- Arrange a responsible adult to accompany you if sedation is used
What Happens During Treatment?
- STEP 1
Positioning
You lie face down. A pillow under the abdomen opens the spinal levels for improved fluoroscopic visualisation.
- STEP 2
Sterile preparation
The skin over the target level is cleaned and draped, and local anaesthetic numbs the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- STEP 3
Fluoroscopic guidance
Real-time X-ray provides live spinal imaging and identifies the target nerve-root foramen.
- STEP 4
Needle placement
The needle advances under continuous fluoroscopy into the intervertebral foramen at the precise spinal level responsible for pain.
- STEP 5
Contrast confirmation
Contrast confirms the needle tip is adjacent to the target root and verifies medication spread before any treatment is delivered.
- STEP 6
Injection
Local anaesthetic and corticosteroid are slowly injected around the nerve root.
- STEP 7
Recovery and discharge
You rest for 20-30 minutes while the immediate response is observed. The first-hour response provides critical diagnostic information, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and Aftercare
A temporary increase in nerve symptoms or injection-site soreness during the first 24-48 hours is normal as local anaesthetic wears off and before the steroid takes effect. Avoid NSAIDs for 48 hours, use paracetamol if needed, avoid driving that day if sedated, and avoid swimming, heavy exercise, and heat application for 48 hours. Diabetic patients should monitor blood glucose closely for 3-5 days.
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately after | Possible rapid relief from local anaesthetic, providing diagnostic information |
| First 24-48 hours | Anaesthetic wears off; a temporary return of symptoms can occur |
| Days 3-7 | Steroid effect begins to build and nerve pain may reduce |
| Weeks 1-4 | Radicular symptoms improve and physiotherapy can begin |
| Weeks 4-12 | Maximum therapeutic benefit and active rehabilitation |
| Months 3-6 | Meaningful relief for many patients who respond |
NRB at Nivaan is always combined with structured physiotherapy. The injection provides the pain-free window; physiotherapy addresses the biomechanical causes that led to nerve compression.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever above 38 C, rapidly worsening leg or arm weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe uncontrolled pain at the injection site. These are rare but important red-flag symptoms.
Benefits, Risks and Side Effects
Benefits of Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care
Pinpoint diagnostic precision
Confirms the exact nerve root causing pain, information no scan alone can provide.
Targeted therapeutic relief
Delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the sensitised nerve root, not systemically.
Image-guided accuracy
Fluoroscopy with contrast confirmation ensures medication reaches the correct nerve root.
Non-surgical
No incisions, general anaesthesia, or hospital admission.
Rapid pain relief
Many patients improve meaningfully within days of the steroid taking effect.
Enables rehabilitation
The pain-free window allows physiotherapy that may otherwise be impossible.
Guides surgical planning
Confirmation of a specific root makes surgical decisions more precise and reduces wrong-level risk.
Reduces oral medication reliance
Targeted delivery can control nerve pain better than systemic medication alone.
May help avoid surgery
Clinical evidence shows NRB can reduce surgical rates in radiculopathy when combined with rehabilitation.
Is Nerve Root Block Safe?
When performed by a trained Interventional Pain Specialist under fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation, nerve root block has a well-established safety record.
Temporary soreness
Soreness or bruising at the injection site generally settles within 1-3 days.
Brief symptom worsening
Symptoms may briefly worsen as local anaesthetic wears off and usually resolve within 24-48 hours.
Temporary steroid effects
Facial flushing can settle within 24 hours; diabetic patients may have elevated glucose for 3-5 days.
Temporary limb heaviness
Local anaesthetic spread can cause arm or leg heaviness that resolves within hours.
Rare procedural complications
Dural puncture, infection, temporary nerve irritation, bleeding, or allergic reaction are recognised but rare and are mitigated through screening, sterile technique, and imaging.
Permanent nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or paralysis are exceptionally rare with image-guided NRB performed by an experienced specialist. Contrast confirmation directly mitigates intravascular injection risk by showing needle position and injectate spread before medication is administered.
Nerve Root Block Injection Cost in India
Nerve root block injection cost in India varies depending on the spinal level targeted, the number of nerve roots injected per session, the corticosteroid used, and whether fluoroscopic image guidance is included.
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care is priced transparently. Your specialist confirms the full cost at consultation, including the approach, likely number of sessions, and imaging protocol. Most patients require one to three sessions.
Results and Number of Sessions
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care delivers both immediate diagnostic information and progressive therapeutic benefit. Clinical evidence shows that selective nerve root block provides significant pain relief in approximately 46-57% of patients at 6-12 months, with the strongest outcomes in acute single-level radiculopathy from disc herniation.
First hour
Relief from local anaesthetic confirms the nerve root and provides critical diagnostic information.
Days 3-7
First meaningful improvement as the steroid effect builds.
Weeks 4-12
Maximum therapeutic benefit.
3-6 months
Typical duration for responders; some maintain benefit beyond 12 months with physiotherapy.
Sciatic nerve injection at the correct lumbar level for acute disc herniation consistently shows the strongest outcomes. Cervical injections for foraminal stenosis also respond well. Chronic, long-standing compression or severe structural nerve damage tends to produce more limited benefit.
Most patients require one to three sessions, adjusted according to diagnosis and response.
Why Choose Nivaan Care for Nerve Root Block Treatment?
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care is not a standalone injection. Every patient receives a complete, expert-led plan built around their specific nerve-root diagnosis, imaging findings, and rehabilitation goals.
Interventional Pain Specialist
Confirms the exact root, performs the injection under fluoroscopy with contrast, and interprets the diagnostic response.
Physiotherapist
Builds a personalised programme to address the biomechanical cause of compression and consolidate therapeutic benefit.
Pain Counsellor
Addresses fear, sleep disruption, and the psychological burden of chronic radicular pain.
Nutrition Expert
Provides anti-inflammatory guidance, particularly important for diabetic patients receiving corticosteroids.
Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan vs. A Standalone Injection
| Nerve root block | Nivaan Care | Standalone injection |
|---|---|---|
| Who performs it | Interventional pain specialist under fluoroscopic guidance | General practitioner or clinic |
| Diagnosis | Exact nerve-root level confirmed diagnostically before and after treatment | Symptom-based |
| Injection technique | Fluoroscopy-guided with contrast confirmation at every session | Freehand or landmark-based |
| Diagnostic interpretation | Immediate response analysed to confirm the nerve-root source | Not formally assessed |
| Rehabilitation | Personalised physiotherapy programme after injection | None |
| Mental and emotional support | Dedicated pain counsellor | Not addressed |
| Nutrition guidance | Anti-inflammatory plan by expert | Not included |
| Treatment approach | Full multidisciplinary care team | Single injection in isolation |
| Follow-up care | Structured, ongoing recovery plan | Rarely structured |
Clinical evidence consistently shows that NRB combined with rehabilitation produces superior, longer-lasting outcomes compared to injection alone.
Nivaan Pain Clinic Locations Across Delhi
Choose your preferred Delhi location and schedule a consultation in advance.
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Malviya Nagar
F-23, Nivaan, opposite Sri Aurobindo College, Geetanjali Enclave, New Delhi 110017
Dr. Rohit Gulati
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Nehru Place
B-18, Nehru Place Flyover, Chirag Enclave, New Delhi 110048
Dr. Rohit Gulati
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Safdarjung
25A, Block A1, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi 110029
Dr. Naveen Talwar
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Rohini Sector-24
CS/OCF-4, Pocket 10, Sector-24, New Delhi 110085
Dr. Garima Gupta
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Karol Bagh
67/1 New Rohtak Road, Guru Gobind Singh Marg, New Delhi 110005
Dr. Garima Gupta
Delhi
Nivaan Pain Clinic, Mayur Vihar
D-36, Block C, Acharya Niketan, New Delhi 110091
Dr. Abhimanyu Rana
Frequently Asked Questions about Nerve Root Block Treatment
A nerve root block, also called a selective nerve root block (SNRB), is a minimally invasive, fluoroscopy-guided injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid delivered directly to a specific nerve root as it exits the spinal canal. It serves two purposes simultaneously: providing therapeutic pain relief from nerve inflammation, and diagnostically confirming which specific nerve root is the source of your pain. Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment at Nivaan Care is performed under image guidance by Interventional Pain Specialists.
An epidural steroid injection delivers medication into the broader epidural space, bathing multiple nerve roots and spinal levels. A selective nerve root block targets a single, specific nerve root at a specific spinal level, making it more precise both therapeutically and diagnostically. NRB is the preferred approach when one nerve root at one level needs to be both treated and confirmed as the pain source.
A nerve block is a broad term covering any injection that interrupts a nerve's function. A nerve root block injection specifically targets a spinal nerve root at the level where it exits the vertebral canal. Other types of nerve blocks, such as peripheral nerve blocks, sympathetic blocks, or the trigeminal nerve block for facial pain, target different nerves at different anatomical locations. Your Nivaan specialist will determine which type of nerve block is most appropriate for your specific pain pattern.
The SNRB procedure (Selective Nerve Root Block) is the formal clinical name for a nerve root block injection. The patient is positioned prone, the target nerve root foramen is identified under fluoroscopy, the needle is advanced to the nerve root sleeve, contrast dye confirms correct placement, and local anaesthetic and corticosteroid are injected. The procedure takes 20-40 minutes as an outpatient. Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan follows this full image-guided protocol.
Yes. Nerve block treatment with image guidance has a well-established safety profile. Side effects are generally mild and temporary: brief soreness, a transient worsening of symptoms as local anaesthetic wears off, and short-term blood glucose elevation in diabetic patients. Serious complications are rare and significantly reduced by fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation, which is the standard at Nivaan Care.
Nerve root block injection cost in India varies by spinal level, number of roots treated, corticosteroid used, and whether fluoroscopic image guidance is included. Nerve Root Block (NRB) Treatment in Delhi at Nivaan Care is priced transparently; your full cost is confirmed at consultation before any treatment begins. Book a consultation for your personalised treatment plan and cost estimate.
Yes, this is one of its most important functions. If your pain is significantly relieved immediately after the local anaesthetic is injected at a specific nerve root level, this confirms that nerve root is the source of your symptoms. This diagnostic information is used by your Nivaan specialist to guide all subsequent treatment decisions, including whether surgery is needed and at exactly which spinal level.
Before: pause NSAIDs and blood thinners for 7 days; disclose all medications and allergies; arrange transport if sedation is used. After: avoid NSAIDs for 48 hours, avoid driving on the day of the procedure if sedated, and avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Diabetic patients should monitor blood glucose for 3-5 days post-injection. Contact Nivaan immediately if you develop fever, rapidly worsening leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Your Nivaan specialist provides full personalised instructions at consultation.
For many patients, yes. Clinical evidence shows that selective nerve root block for disc herniation, particularly when combined with structured rehabilitation, significantly reduces the likelihood of requiring surgery. The diagnostic function of NRB also means that when surgery is ultimately needed, the operating surgeon knows exactly which level to address, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of operating at the wrong spinal level.