Which specialist performs nerve root block?

A nerve root block places medicine near a spinal nerve that may be contributing to radiating pain. The pain physician reviews your history, neurological examination and available scans to decide whether the procedure fits your situation. Image guidance can help the clinician position the needle accurately. A spine surgeon, neurologist or orthopaedic clinician may identify the problem or refer you, but the injection itself is generally managed by pain medicine.

Start with the clinician managing your back or neck symptoms, or book an appointment with pain medicine. Bring scan reports, a list of medicines, allergies and details about numbness, weakness or pain travelling into an arm or leg. Ask whether the goal is temporary pain relief, diagnostic information, or support for rehabilitation. Read more about [Nerve Root Block](/treatments/spine-care/nerve-root-block/).

Seek urgent medical attention for new or worsening limb weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs or genitals, fever with severe spinal pain, or pain after a major injury. These features need prompt assessment and should not be managed by arranging an injection alone.

Ask: Which nerve is suspected? What will the injection help us learn or relieve? What medicines should I pause or continue? What warning signs should I watch for afterward? How will physiotherapy or another treatment fit into the plan?