Selective Nerve Blocks are performed near the spine to diagnose the specific spinal nerve that is the root source of chronic back and leg pain. This procedure can also reduce inflammation around the selected nerve root, which may decrease or relieve pain.
During the procedure, the patient is usually 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, and medication is injected to bathe the nerve root. The medications typically include an anesthetic and a steroid.
Selective Nerve Blocks are performed on an outpatient basis, and the procedure usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.