What is a Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB)?
A SNRB is primarily done to diagnose the specific nerve root pain source and for therapeutic relief of low back pain and/or leg pain. How does it work? When the nerve root becomes compressed and inflamed it produces back and/or leg pain. Sometimes the MRI may not clearly show which nerve is causing the pain so an SNRB injection is done to help in isolating the source of pain. It also can be used to treat far lateral disc hernia ion. (a disc that ruptures outside the spinal canal). How long does the injection take? The actual injection takes only a few minutes. What medications are used for the injection? The injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetic (lidocaine or bupivicaine) and the steroids (depo-medrol or betamethasone) Does the injection hurt? The procedure involves inserting a needle through the skin and deep tissue. So, there is some discomfort involved. But, we will numb the skin and deep tissues with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) before inserting the block needle. Mo
