Selective Nerve Root Block

International Spine Intervention Society - Patient Information

International Spine Intervention Society logo

What is it?
A block that is performed to determine if a specific spinal nerve root is the source of pain and reduce inflammation around the nerve root thus decreasing or relieving the pain.

snrb2.gif (19543 bytes)

How is it done?
The patient is given a local anesthetic.  The physician then locates, under fluoroscopy, a specific spinal nerve root. A needle is introduced through the skin into the area adjacent to the nerve root. Medication is then injected into the area bathing the nerve root. The medications include an anesthetic and steroid.

selective nerve root block, needle placement

Expected Results
Relief of back and leg pain.

How long does it take?
Thirty minutes to one hour.


Glossary

Inflammation - Tissue reaction to irritation.

Discogram
SNRB
Epidural
Facet
Sympathetic
Costovertebral
Stellate Ganglion
Neurotomy
Last Updated: 08/12/2007
What is this?
Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse
SpineUniverse is committed to ensuring that all information on its site is trustworthy and of the highest quality. To maintain the site's quality, SpineUniverse relies on its exceptional Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is a "Who's Who" of more than 60 leading spine specialists, including surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and more.

Peer Review by Leading Specialists

    Christopher P. Silveri, MD

    Judicious use of selective injections can provide both therapeutic and diagnostic benefits. Each shot is tailored to the specific anatomical area in question and should never be combined in the same sitting. Each shot should be performed to confirm or rule out a potential site of pain generation. In such an organized fashion a spine specialist may be able to clarify what was previously a diagnostic dilemma.
What is This?
Related Articles on SpineUniverse
To help you navigate through this wealth of information, the Editorial Board of SpineUniverse presents links to "Related Articles" at the end of each article . In addition, to help you find additional information you need, we encourage you to use the "Search" tool located at the top of each page.

Related Articles

Find A Professional in Your Area