Introduction
Nerve block injections block the nerve signals that send pain sensations to the brain. Different nerve blocks are delivered to inhibit pain, like facet joints and sciatic nerve blocks. Selective nerve root block injections are the kind of nerve block injections in the specific root. This topic elaborates on selective nerve root block injections, their use, procedure, risks, and benefits.
What Are Selective Nerve Root Block Injections?
Selective nerve root block injections are nerve block injections in specific nerve roots. These nerve block injections are delivered around the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column. The spine has many holes through which nerves leave the spinal column. If these holes are closed due to backbone or vertebrae displacement or disc displacement, it causes pain due to pressure on the nerves. These injections have anesthetic agents and steroids in them for long-lasting effects. It reduces inflammation and pain in the backbone. The selective nerve root block injections are delivered at the holes or foramen along the nerve root.
What Are the Uses of Selective Nerve Root Block Injections?
Selective nerve root block injections are used as:
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It is used to diagnose inflamed spinal nerves.
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It works as pain management in the spinal nerves.
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It reduces the irritation in the area.
What Are the Indications for Selective Nerve Root Block Injections?
Indications for selective nerve root block injections are:
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Herniated Disc - A condition that occurs when a rubbery disc comes between the spinal bones; it causes pain in the backbone.
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Sciatica - Sciatica is chronic pain in the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve arises from the spinal cord and moves down to the legs. It causes pain in the lower back and legs.
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Spinal Stenosis - Spinal Stenosis is a condition that causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves within the spine. It causes pain due to pressure on the neck and back.
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Diagnosis - Diagnosis of the inflamed spinal nerves can also perform by selective nerve root block injections.
How Does the Injection Work?
Selective nerve root block injection prevents certain enzymes like phospholipase A to stop irritating the nerves. Further, it blocks specific C fibers to inhibit pain nerve signals and decrease blood supply to these fibers. The selective nerve root block injection helps in the pain management of the spinal nerves.
What Are the Procedures Involved in Selective Nerve Root Block Injections?
The procedure of selective nerve root block injections are:
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Relax the patient initially.
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The patient is made to lie on the belly or sit.
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The area of injection is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
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Local anesthesia is applied to control the pain of needle piercing.
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With the help of ultrasound guidance, the location of the nerve is suspected.
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The needle contains an anesthetic, and a steroid in it is prepared.
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The needle is inserted in the foramen assigned along the nerve root and the medicine is injected.
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Then, the needle is removed.
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And the insertion site is bandaged.
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The doctor waits for ten minutes to see the results of the anesthesia.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The procedure gets completed within 30 minutes. The procedure does not take as much time as the initial process involving informed consent and patient examination.
How Long Is the Effect of the Injection?
The effect of the injection starts as soon as the anesthetic agents are delivered. The anesthetic agents start working immediately within a few minutes, and the patient gets relieved from the pain. But its effect wears off soon, within four to six hours. So the doctor uses steroids for long-lasting results, reducing the pain for a month.
What to Expect After the Injection?
Soon as the anesthesia starts working, the specific nerve root, along with nerve fibers on the legs and arms, gets numbed. As a result, the patient's pain starts getting reduced. The areas getting numb also got heavier than before. As long as the effect of the anesthetic remains, the patient will feel less pain.
What to Do After the Procedure?
After the procedure, the patient should take a full day's rest. Afterward, they should avoid strenuous work or exercises for a week. The patient should also avoid driving for a few days. And the patient can go back to his routine work the next day.
Can a Patient Go Home After the Procedure?
Yes, the patient can go home after the procedure mostly. However, there are times when the doctor must wait to send the patient after assessing their health. On seeing better results after the injections, he can send the patient home on the same day of the procedure. But if the doctor feels to keep the patient under medical supervision for 24 hours, he can make the patient stay for a day in the hospital.
What Are the Side Effects Related to Selective Nerve Root Block Injections?
Side effects related to selective nerve root block injections are:
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Bleeding.
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Pain on the site of injection.
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Soreness on injection site.
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Infection.
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Dizziness.
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Spinal cord damage.
How Often Can the Procedure Be Done?
The doctor can give up to three injections within six months of the period. The doctor gives the following injections three weeks apart from the previous one. However, pain management has been gained with the initial two injections. Three injections are enough to manage the pain.
Is the Procedure Safe?
Yes, the procedure is safe and effective. The spine pain of the patient gets relieved from the injections. Its effectiveness is depicted when anesthesia starts its work and reduces the pain.
Who Can Not Have These Injections?
The patient related to the following issues cannot have selective nerve root injections. The issues are:
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Allergic to anesthesia.
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Having blood thinning medicine.
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Local infection on or near the site of injection.
Conclusion
Selective nerve root block injections are anesthesia delivered to reduce pain in specific nerve roots. These injections are helpful in cases of back pains, and the procedure is elaborated on the topic. Its side effects include bleeding, soreness, infection, or an allergy. Selective nerve root block injection is a safe and effective procedure for spine pains.
