Cervical Selective Nerve Root Blocks

Selective nerve root blocks are mostly a diagnostic utility that we employ for the use of the surgeons; it is usually at the surgeon’s request. Again, if you have a herniated disc that is having a pinched nerve, and the surgeon is trying to contemplate exactly which level to do the surgery at, a selective nerve root block can often help he or she identify the level of the surgery. In this case, through the foramen, where the nerve exits, we very carefully place a needle and inject only local anesthetic around the dorsal root ganglion and the nerve itself. This will provide temporary pain relief, but give the surgeon an idea of how much that specific nerve root is playing a role in your pain complaints.