Selective Nerve Root Block

What is it?

A selective nerve root block (SNRB) is an injection along the path of a spinal nerve root. Irritation of a spinal nerve root causes radicular pain either in the arm or leg (sciatica). Therefore, an SNRB is performed to decrease inflammation of a specific nerve root. The procedure is done under fluoroscopic guidance and it can be done in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral region of the spine.

How is it done?

Using fluoroscopic guidance and anatomic landmarks, a specialized needle is placed through the skin and into the epidural space. A small volume of contrast dye is injected into the epidural space to verify accurate needle position. The dye injection can often also provide diagnostic information; this is called an epidurogram. Finally, the corticosteroid and anesthetic mixture is injected into the epidural space.

Expected results:

Decreased pain and inflammation along the distribution of the specific spinal nerve root.

How long does it take?

The procedure takes ten to fifteen minutes plus recovery time.

Demonstrations

View our Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block Demo.

View our Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block Demo.