Lumbar Nerve Root Sleeve Injection: A Targeted Approach to Nerve Pain at Butler. (08) 9544 3999
Author : crystal radiology | Published On : 28 Sep 2026
Lower back pain can be difficult to manage, particularly when irritation or inflammation of a spinal nerve causes pain to travel into the buttock or leg. Conditions such as disc degeneration, a prolapsed or bulging disc, arthritis and other changes in the spine can place pressure on a nerve root and lead to ongoing discomfort.
When conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, an image-guided injection may be recommended as part of a broader treatment plan. Lumbar nerve root sleeve injection at Butler is a targeted procedure that delivers medication around an affected nerve root to help reduce inflammation and relieve nerve-related pain.
Using CT imaging, the treating doctor can carefully guide the needle to the intended location, helping support accurate placement during the procedure.
What Is a Lumbar Nerve Root Sleeve Injection?
A nerve root sleeve injection involves injecting corticosteroid medication and/or a local anaesthetic into the fatty tissue surrounding a spinal nerve root.
The lumbar spine is the lower portion of the spine. It consists of individual bones called vertebrae, with flexible discs positioned between them. Between adjacent vertebrae is an opening called a foramen. Spinal nerves pass through these openings as they travel towards the buttocks and legs.
The nerve is surrounded by a sleeve of fatty tissue. When the nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, injecting medication around this area may help reduce inflammation and associated pain.
Lumbar nerve root sleeve injection at Butler may be considered when nerve root inflammation is associated with conditions such as:
- Disc degeneration
- Prolapsed or bulging discs
- Arthritis-related changes
- Irritation or compression of a spinal nerve
- Other causes of lumbar nerve root pain
The procedure is image-guided, meaning CT imaging is used to help the doctor identify the appropriate spinal level and guide the needle accurately.
How Does the Injection Help Nerve Pain?
When a nerve root becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain that follows the pathway of the affected nerve. This can result in symptoms extending from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf or foot.
Symptoms can include:
- Lower back pain
- Shooting or radiating leg pain
- Tingling or pins and needles
- Numbness
- Burning sensations
- Discomfort extending into the buttock or leg
- Pain associated with nerve root irritation
The corticosteroid is intended to reduce inflammation around the nerve root, while a local anaesthetic can provide temporary numbing and pain relief.
The response to treatment varies between individuals. Some patients may experience meaningful relief, while others may experience only temporary or limited improvement.
What Happens During a Lumbar Nerve Root Sleeve Injection?
Understanding what happens during the procedure can help you feel more prepared.
The procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Initial CT imaging: CT images of your lower spine are taken to identify the appropriate level for the injection.
- Skin marking: Small markers may be used to help identify the correct entry point. The area is then marked on the skin.
- Cleaning the skin: The skin on your back is cleaned with antiseptic and covered with a sterile drape.
- Local anaesthetic: The doctor injects local anaesthetic into the skin and deeper tissues to numb the area.
- Needle placement: A thin spinal needle is carefully guided towards the affected nerve root using CT imaging.
- Contrast injection: Contrast medium may be injected to confirm the needle's position and help the doctor visualise the relevant structures.
- Medication injection: A combination of corticosteroid and long-acting local anaesthetic may then be injected around the nerve root.
You remain awake during the procedure, although the area being treated will be numb.
What Are the Benefits?
Lumbar nerve root sleeve injection at Butler may provide temporary or longer-lasting relief from back and nerve root pain in appropriately selected patients.
Potential benefits may include:
- Reduction in inflammation around an irritated nerve
- Temporary relief from radiating nerve pain
- Improved comfort during daily activities
- Support for participation in physiotherapy or rehabilitation
- Potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatment in some patients
Pain relief can sometimes help break the cycle of pain and allow patients to move more comfortably while continuing other recommended treatments.
However, the results are different for every patient, and an injection does not guarantee permanent relief or eliminate the underlying cause of nerve compression.
Is a Lumbar Nerve Root Sleeve Injection Right for You?
Not everyone with back or leg pain requires an injection. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and imaging findings before recommending the procedure.
You should tell your healthcare team about any relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and previous reactions to contrast or injections.
The treating specialist can explain the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before the procedure.
Why Choose Butler Medical Imaging?
Image guidance is an important part of a lumbar nerve root sleeve injection because it allows the treating doctor to identify the appropriate spinal level and guide the needle towards the intended area.
Lumbar nerve root sleeve injection at Butler uses CT guidance to support accurate needle placement and targeted delivery of medication around the affected nerve root.
Butler Medical Imaging provides diagnostic imaging and image-guided procedures with a focus on patient care and professional service.
Take the Next Step Towards Managing Nerve Pain
If your doctor has recommended this procedure, Lumbar nerve root sleeve injection at Butler can provide a targeted treatment option using CT image guidance.
Contact Butler Medical Imaging to book your appointment today. Bring your referral and follow the preparation and aftercare instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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.
