Services
Paravertebral block
A paravertebral block places medicine beside the spine, close to a compressed nerve root. The aim is to reduce the pain and settle the inflammation around the nerve.
What is it?
During the block, an anti-inflammatory medicine and a local anaesthetic are placed beside the spine, near the affected nerve root.
The procedure does not remove the herniation itself. It targets the inflammation and pain of the compressed nerve.
This is not surgery. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.
Who is it for?
People with nerve compression from a disc herniation or protrusion in the lower back or neck.
People whose pain radiates into the leg or arm, with numbness and a pins-and-needles sensation.
People who get insufficient relief from tablets, topical treatments and physiotherapy.
It is unsuitable with a bleeding tendency, infection at the injection site, or while taking certain medicines.
When to seek care
- Back pain radiates into your thigh or calf
- Neck pain comes with numbness and weakness in the arm
- Pain stops you sleeping or sitting
- Painkillers are helping less and less
If you develop marked weakness in the leg, or cannot control your bladder or bowel, this is an emergency. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Why it matters
Long-standing nerve pain seriously disrupts sleep, the ability to work and movement.
Reducing the pain makes rehabilitation exercises possible — and movement is the foundation of back health.
In some patients the block reduces the need for painkillers, which spares the stomach and kidneys additional load.
The result differs between patients, and is not always at the level hoped for.
How it is done
- Preparation. Bring your MRI or X-ray results. Blood-thinning medicines must be declared in advance.
- Position. You are placed face down or seated.
- Antisepsis. The skin is cleaned under sterile conditions and the entry point identified.
- The injection. The medicine is placed into the target area beside the spine. You feel pressure during the procedure.
- Observation. You are observed at the clinic for a short period afterwards.
The procedure usually takes 10–20 minutes. Temporary numbness in the leg or arm can occur; that is the anaesthetic and it passes.
When the effect begins and how long it lasts varies. Several sessions are sometimes required.
A paravertebral block is an invasive procedure and carries risks: pain and bruising at the site, temporary numbness or reduced strength, headache, a temporary rise in blood sugar, and rarely infection or nerve injury. These risks and the alternative treatments are discussed with you individually before the procedure and your consent is taken.
Where it is done
The procedure is carried out in Baku, at StarLab Clinic, under sterile conditions.
Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.
To book: +994 55 550 55 69.
No. A block does not change the size of a herniation. It targets the inflammation and pain of the compressed nerve.
Yes, after a short period of observation. You are advised not to drive yourself or do heavy work that day.
The number and spacing of repeats is decided individually. Unmonitored repetition is not advised.
You feel the needle and a sensation of pressure in the area. The local anaesthetic reduces that sensation.
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