What is a transforaminal block?
Transforaminal or selective nerve root block provides important information to physicians, also a primary treatment in many cases. It serves to prove which nerve is causing pain by placing temporary numbing medicine over the nerve root of concern. If a patients usual pain improves after the injection, that nerve is most likely causing the pain. If the pain remains unchanged, that nerve is generally not the reason a patient may be experiencing pain. By confirming the exact source of pain, it provides information allowing for proper treatment, which may include additional nerve blocks and/or surgery at a specific level. What happens during the procedure? An IV will be started so that relaxation medication can be given. The patient is placed on the x-ray table and positioned in such a way that the physician can best visualize the bony openings in the spine where the nerve roots exit the spine using x-ray guidance in the treatment room. The skin on the spine is cleaned with alcohol. Next,
