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Sacral nerve root injection
SPINAL INJECTION FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT
A sacral nerve root injection can block painful impulses sent from irritated nerves at the base of your spine (sacrum)
About nerve root injections to the base of the spine
The sacral nerve is part of the sacral plexus, a network of nerve fibres that supply the skin and muscles of the pelvis and lower limb. The network is located on the surface of the posterior pelvic wall and the anterior to the piriformis muscle.
If you have persistent back, hip or limb pain, your consultant may recommend a spinal injection to help manage the pain or pinpoint its source.
Spinal injections, such as sacral nerve blocks, can reduce inflammation and numb painful nerve signals, such as tingling, helping to manage spinal pain and associated pain radiating into your limbs.
Need to know
Treatment is usually done under local anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be awake during the injection but the area will be numbed. You may also be given sedation to help you relax.
You'll be asked to lie on your stomach while a hollow needed is inserted into your lower back, near the sacral nerve root. Your consultant will use an X-ray along with a nerve stimulator to help position the needle in the right location. Then a steroid solution, sometimes along with more local anaesthetic, is injected to reduce inflammation and numb the nerves.
The procedure usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They will let you know what you need to do to prepare. It's important to tell them about any medications you're currently taking. You'll also need to arrange for someone to help you get home after your appointment, as you shouldn't drive immediately following the procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After the procedure, your consultant will help you to stand. Once you're up and moving, any weakness or numbness in your legs should begin to go away.
You'll be able to go home once you're feeling well and able to walk. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise.
Our Sacral nerve root injection locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.