CT-Guided Nerve Root Injections: A Targeted Approach to Nerve Pain at Butler. (08) 9544 3999
Author : crystal radiology | Published On : 07 Sep 2026
Nerve pain affecting the back, neck, arms or legs can make everyday activities difficult. Sitting, walking, sleeping or even changing position may become uncomfortable when an irritated spinal nerve is involved. When conservative treatments have not provided enough relief, your doctor may recommend a targeted injection around an affected nerve root.
CT-guided nerve root injections at Butler use computed tomography (CT) imaging to help guide the needle to the intended area around a spinal nerve. This allows the specialist to carefully position the injection and deliver medication as close as possible to the suspected source of nerve irritation.
What Are CT-Guided Nerve Root Injections?
A nerve root injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver medication around a specific spinal nerve root. The injection may contain a local anaesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, depending on your doctor's recommendation and the purpose of the procedure.
The spinal nerves branch from the spinal cord and travel to different parts of the body. When a nerve root becomes irritated or compressed, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness along the pathway of that nerve.
CT-guided nerve root injections at Butler combine injection treatment with CT imaging, helping the specialist identify the relevant spinal level and accurately guide the needle during the procedure.
Why Might Your Doctor Recommend a Nerve Root Injection?
Nerve root injections may be considered when symptoms suggest irritation or inflammation involving a particular spinal nerve.
Common reasons may include:
- Sciatica or radiating leg pain
- Lower back pain associated with nerve irritation
- Neck pain radiating into the shoulder or arm
- Nerve root compression
- Disc-related nerve irritation
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative changes affecting the spine
- Persistent symptoms despite other treatments
Your doctor will determine whether an injection is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and previous imaging results.
How Does CT Guidance Help?
Accurate needle placement is an important part of a targeted spinal injection. CT imaging provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures.
During the procedure, CT images can help the specialist:
- Identify the appropriate spinal level.
- Locate the target nerve root.
- Plan a safe pathway for the needle.
- Monitor needle positioning.
- Deliver medication close to the affected nerve.
- Avoid important surrounding structures where possible.
This targeted approach can be particularly useful when your doctor needs to investigate or treat symptoms associated with a specific nerve root.
What Conditions Can Cause Nerve Root Pain?
Several conditions can irritate or compress spinal nerves.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions for the spine. A bulging or herniated disc can sometimes press against a nearby nerve root, resulting in pain, numbness or tingling that travels into an arm or leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when there is narrowing around the spinal canal or nerve pathways. This narrowing can place pressure on spinal nerves and may cause radiating pain or other neurological symptoms.
Degenerative Spinal Changes
As we age, changes to the discs, joints and vertebrae can develop. In some people, these changes can contribute to nerve irritation and radiating pain.
What Happens During a CT-Guided Nerve Root Injection?
Understanding what happens during the procedure can make the experience less stressful.
With CT-guided nerve root injections at Butler, the procedure generally involves several steps:
- Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably, usually on the CT examination table.
- Imaging: Initial CT images are taken to identify the appropriate area of the spine.
- Skin preparation: The skin over the treatment area is cleaned carefully.
- Local anaesthetic: A local anaesthetic may be used to numb the skin and surrounding tissues.
- Needle placement: Using CT guidance, the specialist carefully advances the needle towards the targeted nerve root.
- Medication delivery: Once the needle is appropriately positioned, the prescribed medication is injected.
- Completion: The needle is removed, and the area is checked before you leave.
The procedure is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, although specific arrangements can vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. You may feel a brief sting when the local anaesthetic is administered, followed by pressure or mild discomfort as the needle is positioned.
It is important to tell the specialist if you experience significant discomfort during the procedure. Your care team will monitor you throughout the examination and treatment.
Are CT-Guided Nerve Root Injections Suitable for Everyone?
Not everyone with back or nerve pain requires an injection. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatments and overall health before recommending the procedure.
Before your appointment, make sure your healthcare team knows about:
- Current medications
- Allergies or previous reactions to medications
- Blood-thinning medications
- Existing medical conditions
- Previous spinal procedures
- Any possibility of pregnancy
Your imaging provider may provide additional preparation instructions before the appointment.
Book Your CT-Guided Nerve Root Injection at Butler
If you have been referred for CT-guided nerve root injections at Butler, contact Butler Medical Imaging to enquire about your appointment and learn more about the preparation requirements.
Book your CT-guided procedure with Butler Medical Imaging today and take the next step towards targeted assessment and management of nerve-related pain.
Please ensure that you have your Medicare card and referral with you and pop into our location for your consultation. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us on +61 8 9544 3999 as we are here to help.
Additional Recommendation
“This information is general in nature and does not replace medical advice. Suitability for procedures should be discussed with your referring doctor or specialist.
