Do nerve blocks work for spinal stenosis?

Nerve blocks can treat chronic neuropathic pain such as pain caused by nerve damage or compression. 2 They are regularly used to treat back and neck pain caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How long does a spinal nerve root block last?

Some patients may notice immediate pain relief, whereas in others it may take anything up to one to two weeks. Similarly, the pain relief may last from a few days to several months, which again is variable between patients. Some patients do not experience any pain relief from nerve blocks.

How painful is a selective nerve root block?

After the skin is numb, the procedure needle feels like a bit of pressure at the injection site. If you experience any pain during the procedure, your doctor will inject more local anesthetic as needed. The actual placement of the needle is not painful. However, keep in mind the nerve root is pinched and irritated.

What is the difference between a selective nerve root block and an epidural steroid injection?

A selective nerve block targets a specific nerve that needs to be managed by injecting the medication around this structure whereas an epidural injection is injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord to offer symptomatic relief to a larger area of pathology.

How does a selective nerve root block work?

A selective nerve root block is a procedure where a small amount of corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic agent is injected around a very specific nerve root or spinal nerve that exits out of the spinal cord.

How are nerve block injections used in the spine?

Peer Reviewed A selective nerve root block (SNRB) injection or just nerve block injection is used to both diagnose and treat an inflamed spinal nerve. A medication, typically, an anesthetic or anesthetic with steroid is administered near the spinal nerve as it exits the intervertebral foramen (bony opening between adjacent vertebrae).

How long does a selective nerve root injection last?

The injection is similar to a transforaminal epidural steroid injection, but in a selective nerve root block there is no attempt to have the medication enter the epidural space. Rather, the aim is strictly to cover the offending nerve root and block the nerve for approximately 4 hours.

Are there injections to help with spinal stenosis?

If you experience leg or arm pain as the result of spinal stenosis, and nonsurgical treatment doesn’t relieve it, pain management specialists at NYU Langone offer therapeutic injections to alleviate symptoms.