What Is It?
A block that is performed to determine if a specific spinal nerve root is the source of pain and reduce inflammation around the nerve root, thus decreasing or relieving the pain.


How Is It Done?
The patient is 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. Medication is then injected into the area, bathing the nerve root. The medications include an anesthetic and steroid.


Expected Results?
Relief of back and leg pain.


How Long Does It Take?
Thirty minutes to one hour.


GLOSSARY
INFLAMMATION – Tissue reaction to irritation.

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