Selective Nerve Root Block
The selective nerve root block procedure is an injection of a small amount of steroid and numbing medication around a very specific nerve root/spinal nerve that exits out of the spinal cord. ... This injection allows the doctor to determine exactly what nerve root or roots are being affected.
Please play video for a more detailed understanding for what to expect during the procedure.
Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:
If you are currently on antibiotics or being treated for an infection, please call the office prior to your injection appointment.
PRE-OP:
You have been scheduled for a Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) which is a diagnostic test performed to determine if a specific spinal nerve root is the pain source. A SNRB helps your doctor diagnose cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) radiculopathy (irritation and inflammation of a nerve root).
Under fluoroscopic guidance, steroid medication (a strong anti-inflammatory) is injected at a specific nerve root. If the injection reduces symptoms, the pain source is identified. You will be receiving an injection of local anesthetic, corticosteroids, and a small amount of contrast dye. Please inform us if you have had any previous adverse reactions to the above-listed medications.
The local anesthetic effect can last for several hours after your injection, and you may experience temporary numbness or weakness. We advise that you refrain from driving the day of your procedure. Please bring a driver to your appointment, they must stay in the facility for the duration of the procedure.
MODERATE SEDATION: On the day of your appointment, we may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking 6 hours prior to your appointment time if you are receiving sedation. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled with a small sip of water.
NO SEDATION: Please refrain from having a large meal prior to your appointment. You may have light food and/or beverages. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection. If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled.
If you have anxiety about your scheduled office procedure and prefer to have a light sedative prescribed to take before your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance. IV sedatives are available if your procedure is scheduled at Apex Surgical Center or Specialty Surgery Center of CNY.
If you are on any blood thinning medications (Plavix®, Coumadin®, Aggrenox®, Lovenox®, Xarelto®, aspirin), please notify our office so that we may give you specific instructions about the length of time you need to discontinue these medications.
POST-OP:
Immediately after the injection, you may feel your legs or arms, along that specific nerve root, becoming slightly heavy or numb. You may notice that your pain may be gone or considerably less. This is due to the effect of the local anesthetic and lasts only for a few hours. Your pain may return and you may have some soreness at the injection site for a day or so.
An ice pack may be used intermittently to numb the pain and reduce swelling on the injection site. Ice packs must be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time with a break of at least two hours in between to avoid skin injury.
Warm showers are preferred over baths for 1 to 2 days after the Selective Nerve Root Block.
The selective nerve root block treatments are relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of SNRB with a doctor prior to this treatment.
Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss with your Doctor if you are a candidate for these services or contact one of our care representatives with questions at 315-451-5400.