Selective Nerve Root Blocks

A selective nerve root block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid into the area where the nerve root exits the spinal column. A nerve root block usually is performed for pain in the arm or leg that follows the path of a single nerve (i.e. sciatica). A selective nerve root block may be diagnostic and/or therapeutic. When done for diagnostic purposes, the injection can help your surgeon determine which spinal level needs operation. Therapeutic injections are done more frequently and are intended to provide long-term pain relief. Most patients require more than one injection but some patients may get sufficient relief from just one injection. If you receive sufficient relief from the injection, the nerve root block can be repeated if your pain returns in the future.