Selective nerve root block is another standard injection is fundamentally utilized to analyze the particular source of nerve root pain and, secondarily, for therapeutic help of low back pain and additionally leg pain.

At the point when a nerve root ends up compressed and inflamed, as a result, it can create back or leg pain. At times, an imaging study may not obviously demonstrate which nerve is triggering the pain and selective nerve root block is performed with an objective to help with disconnecting the cause of pain. Additional to its analytic function, this sort of injection for pain management can likewise be utilized as a treatment for a far lateral disc herniation.

The Experience during Selective Nerve Root Block 

The procedure is carried out by a specialist with the patient requiring lying on the stomach on an X-Ray table. The doctor utilizes fluoroscopy with an objective to find the particular nerve root. Moving forward with the procedure, the doctor inserts a needle into the area, then the medication and an anesthetic are inserted. This step requires only a couple of minutes.

After the injection, the patient is observed for around 15-20 minutes and after that discharged. Most individuals begin observing relief after the third to seventh day, which can endure weeks or months. On the off chance that the initial injection does not produce fruitful results within one to two weeks, the specialist may prescribe another injection. In most cases, specialists limit in injections to three in a year time.

Selective Nerve Root Block Outcomes

Instantly after the injection, the patient may feel legs or arms, along with that particular nerve root, getting slightly heavy or numb. The patient may observe that the pain might be gone or significantly less. This is because of the impact of the local anesthetic and keeps going just for a couple of hours. The pain may return and the patient may have some soreness at the injection site for a day or so.

The patients are usually advised to relax for a day or so after the selective nerve root block. Execute the activities as endured by them. The recuperation room nurse will recommend applying ice to the site.

Risks and Complications after Selective Nerve Root Block 

Comparatively, the selective nerve root block does not have many risks. Though, similarly as with any procedure, there are a few risks and complications. Most observed adverse effects are enhanced pain from the injection (normally short term), hardly ever inadvertent puncture of the “sack” containing spinal fluid (may result in headaches). Further complications include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Or no easiness from usual pain

Resolving a single structure within the spine as the source of pain can prove to be a diagnostic challenge due to the complexity and complication of the structures involved in the spinal column. Additionally, discrete anatomical structures can clinically present with related symptom patterns and no physical examination finding can be specifically ascribed to any one structure. To further complicate this dilemma, multiple structural abnormalities noted on imaging studies are frequently found to be painless.

Selective nerve root blocks are based on the assumption that delivering a small amount of medication to a specific target can precisely point out  the source of pain and provide information that could affect or predict their surgical outcome.  At the Pain Management Institute,  we offer cervical nerve root blocks under fluoroscopy guidance. Dr. Zaki Anwar is very experienced in these procedures and has a very meticulous approach and safety record.

When a nerve root becomes condensed and swollen, it can cause back and/or leg pain. Occasionally, an imaging study (e.g. MRI) may not clearly illustrate which nerve is causing the pain, therefore selective nerve root block injection is performed to assist in separating the source of pain. Adding more to its diagnostic function, this type of injection for pain management can also be used as a treatment for a far lateral disc herniation (a disc that ruptures outside the spinal canal).

The rate of success differs depending on the primary diagnosis and whether or not the injections are being used primarily for diagnosis. Those who are facing the symptoms of  herniated disc, sciatica or swelling or irritation are the appropriate candidates for selective nerve root block. The following patients should not undergo this treatment:

• If you have an allergy of any medication which is needed to be injected
• If you use medication for blood thinning for instance (Coumadin injectable Heparin)
• If you have an infection currently you are suffering from

During a Selective Nerve Root Block, your doctor will target exact condensed or irritated nerves in your neck, upper back, or lower back, injecting an anesthetic, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid or a mixture of these two medications into the space immediately surrounding the nerve or nerves.