Question:

Our psychiatrist has recommended a right nerve root block for my wife`s persistent back, hip, leg pain. How safe is this procedure? Also, my wife would like for me to stay with her during the procedure or she will not consider it. Is this normally allowed?

Answer:

The procedure is safe. There are always risks of bleeding, infection or nerve injury…all on the order of less than one in 50,000 when done by skilled practitioners. You may don a lead apron and accompany your wife if her physician and the facility policies allow that.

For more information:

Go to the Pain Management health topic.