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Nerve root sleeve injections in Perth
A transforaminal injection targets a single spinal nerve root where it exits the spine. It is more selective than a standard epidural, which makes it useful both for treating pain from one specific nerve and for identifying which nerve is responsible.
In brief
- Targets one named nerve root rather than the epidural space generally.
- Serves as a diagnostic test as well as a treatment.
- Useful where imaging shows changes at several levels.
- Also used to plan surgery by confirming the symptomatic level.
- Day procedure under X-ray guidance.
Scans of the spine frequently show changes at more than one level, and not all of them cause symptoms. A transforaminal injection helps resolve which one matters. Medication is delivered precisely to a single nerve root as it exits through the foramen, so the response tells you something specific.
As a diagnostic step
If numbing one nerve root substantially relieves your limb pain, that nerve is very likely responsible. This is genuinely useful information — for you, and for a surgeon considering an operation, since operating at the wrong level is a well-recognised cause of failed surgery. Where surgery is being contemplated on the basis of ambiguous imaging, a diagnostic transforaminal injection may be requested specifically to confirm the level.
As a treatment
Anti-inflammatory medication delivered close to the irritated nerve can reduce pain for weeks to months, on a similar basis to an epidural injection but more selectively. Response varies widely and cannot be predicted with confidence beforehand.
On the day
You lie face down. Under X-ray guidance a fine needle is advanced to the target foramen. Contrast is injected first and its spread observed to confirm the needle is correctly placed and not within a vessel. Local anaesthetic, usually with anti-inflammatory medication, is then injected. You may feel a brief reproduction of your usual limb pain as the needle nears the nerve — this is expected and confirms the target. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes.
Afterwards
Temporary limb numbness or heaviness is common and resolves within hours. Record your pain in the hours after the procedure; that record is the diagnostic result. Any anti-inflammatory benefit develops over the following days.
Risks
Whilst pain procedures are generally safe and well tolerated, all procedures carry risks. The specific risks relevant to you and your procedure will be discussed with you, and written information provided, before you decide to proceed.
Urgent symptoms
As with epidural injection: numbness around the buttocks or genitals, bladder or bowel changes, or rapidly progressive weakness require emergency assessment.
Practical information
- Where
- Most procedures are performed as a day case at St John of God Subiaco Hospital, Hollywood Private Hospital, Mount Private Hospital or St John of God Midland Hospital; some smaller procedures are performed in the rooms at Mount Lawley. The setting is confirmed with you at booking.
- Referral
- Required from a GP or specialist — by Healthlink (EDI painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email. Routine appointments are generally available within two to four weeks.
- Before the day
- Fasting, medication and transport requirements are set out on Before your procedure. If you take blood-thinning medication, or diabetes or weight-loss injections, tell the practice well before the day.
- Costs
- Dr Martin is a no-gap provider for in-hospital procedures with all major health funds, subject to your level of cover. A fee estimate is supplied on booking, prior to your consultation. See Fees and billing.
- Afterwards
- If your procedure is under sedation you cannot drive for 24 hours afterwards — please arrange transport home. Written post-procedure instructions are provided.
- Rural and remote
- Assessment and review can be done by telehealth; the procedure itself is scheduled in Perth.
How to arrange an appointment
A referral from a GP or specialist is required. Referrals are accepted by Healthlink (EDI: painmdwa), fax 08 6114 0717 or email admin@painmedicinewa.com.
Enquiries: 0448 299 260 — Monday 9:00am – 4:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Whether a treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation with your doctor.
Reviewed by Dr Chris Martin, Consultant Pain and Rehabilitation Physician (FFPMANZCA, FAFRM RACP), Pain Medicine WA, Perth. Last reviewed August 2026.In a medical emergency, call 000.