I had a nerve block injection into my spine two weeks ago. I didn’t get any relief from my constant back and leg pain. Is it possible the surgeon just missed the nerve?

Nerve blocks involve injecting a steroid drug and a local anesthetic into the spine near the spinal nerve. Surgeons use fluoroscopic imaging to guide the needle to the right spot. Usually they are aiming for a spot called Bogduk’s safe triangle. This is a triangular area that seems to prevent complications like nerve damage.

In a recent study of 1200 cases of spinal nerve block, scientists showed that precise needle tip position doesn’t affect outcomes. Patients had pain relief regardless of the exact location of the injection.

It is possible that your nerve pain is coming from a nerve at a different spinal level. It’s also possible that your pain isn’t coming from the nerve at all. There is still much we don’t know about back pain with nerve symptoms. Sometimes patients get pain relief right away. Others seem to get better over time with or without the injection.

Make sure you follow-up with your doctor. There may be other treatment options to consider. You may need a second nerve block either at the same place or in another location to get the best results.