Lumbar Nerve Root Block

Imaging techniques, such as an MRI scan, can reveal small disc bulges and/ or wear and tear in the spine with possible nerve irritation or inflammation. This can cause pain down the leg in the area that the nerve supplies.

The intervertebral disc is the structure between the vertebrae(bones of the spine). It acts as both a spacer and a shock absorber. The disc is composed of two parts: a soft, gel-like middle (the nucleus pulposus) and a tougher fibrous wall (the annulus fibrosus) which surrounds it.

Sometimes the intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity and shock-absorbing characteristics, while the tough layer of ligaments that surrounds the intervertebral disc may weaken and no longer be able to contain the gel-like substance in the centre. This material may bulge through a tear in the disc all (herniation) and can cause inflammation to the surrounding area and nerve roots. As the disc then degenerates it can lose height and, as a consequence, close down the bony canal where the nerve root leaves the spinal column. This can cause pain if it touches the nerve.

  • Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital

    NHS

    Ashford and St Peter’s
    Hospital
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Guildford Road, Cherstey,
    Surrey, KY16 0PZ.
    Ph: 01932 722 730
  • The BMI Runnymede Hospital

    Private

    The BMI
    Runnymede Hospital
    Guildford Road,
    Ottershaw, CHERTSEY,
    KT16 0RQ.
    Ph: 01932 877800
  • Spire St Anthony’s Hospital

    Private

    Spire St Anthony’s
    Hospital
    801 London Road,
    NORTH CHEAM,
    SM3 9DW.
    Ph: 020 8337 6691
  • Nuffield Health Woking Hospital

    Private

    Nuffield Health
    Woking Hospital
    Shores Road,
    WOKING,
    GU21 4BY.
    Ph: 01483 331257
  • Ramsay Health Ashtead Hospital

    Private

    Ramsay Health
    Ashtead Hospital
    The Warren,
    Ashtead, Surrey.
    KT21 2SB.
    Ph: 01372 221400