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Nerve Block Injections

Selective nerve root block (SNRB) injections are commonly used for pain from a compressed spinal nerve root. Placed precisely next to one nerve, they can confirm which nerve is causing the pain and reduce inflammation to relieve it, often enough to begin physical therapy or avoid surgery.

Ultrasound-guided nerve block injection

What Are Nerve Block Injections?

Selective nerve root block injections are used to diagnose and treat neck and back pain. They target specific nerve roots to help identify the source of pain or provide relief, using imaging guidance to deliver the injection accurately.
 
Depending on the condition, injections may be given in the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), or lumbar (lower) spine. They are often used for radiculopathy, when pain travels along a single nerve into an arm or leg.

Conditions Nerve Blocks Treat

This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.

Pinched nervesA compressed spinal nerve root. SciaticaLeg pain from a lumbar nerve root. RadiculopathyRadiating arm or leg pain. Herniated discsA disc pressing on a nerve root. Foraminal stenosisNarrowing where a nerve exits. Nerve painNerve pain from the spine.
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When And Why Nerve Blocks Are Used

Diagnosis: to pinpoint the source of pain, an anesthetic nerve block is placed at a specific nerve. If the pain subsides temporarily, it confirms that nerve as the cause, which can also help predict whether surgery might be effective.
 
Treatment: corticosteroid-based nerve blocks reduce inflammation and pain, which can provide enough relief for patients to begin physical therapy or manage symptoms without surgery.
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Understanding The Nerve Block Process

A nerve block is a short outpatient procedure:

  1. 1

    Preparation

    The injection site is cleaned and numbed.

  2. 2

    Imaging guidance

    Fluoroscopy or ultrasound guides the needle to the specific nerve root.

  3. 3

    Injection

    An anesthetic, with or without a corticosteroid, is placed next to the nerve.

  4. 4

    Assessment

    Your pain response is recorded to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a selective nerve root block?

A selective nerve root block (SNRB) is an injection placed next to a specific spinal nerve root to diagnose or treat pain from that nerve.

How does a nerve block help with diagnosis?

An anesthetic is placed at a specific nerve root. If the pain subsides temporarily, it confirms that nerve is the cause, which can also help predict whether surgery might be effective.

How does a nerve block help with treatment?

Corticosteroid-based nerve blocks reduce inflammation and pain, which may provide enough relief to begin physical therapy or manage symptoms without surgery.

How many injections will I need?

One injection may be enough, while some patients need more than one. Your physician will recommend a plan based on how you respond.

Where can nerve blocks be given?

Depending on the condition, injections may be given in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), or lumbar (lower back) spine.

Is imaging used?

Yes. Imaging guidance is used to deliver the injection accurately to the affected nerve root.

What conditions are treated with nerve blocks?

Pain from a compressed spinal nerve root, such as from a herniated disc, foraminal stenosis, or spinal stenosis, including sciatica and cervical radiculopathy.

How do I find out if a nerve block is right for me?

An evaluation and imaging review will determine whether a nerve block can help pinpoint or treat your pain. Call (321) 499-4646.

Benefits Of Nerve Blocks

Nerve block injections offer:

  • Precise diagnosis of which nerve is causing pain.
  • Targeted relief of inflammation at the nerve root.
  • A window for physical therapy with less pain.
  • A possible alternative to surgery for some patients.
  • An outpatient procedure with a quick return home.
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Related Treatments

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to diagnose and treat neck and back pain. These injections are placed in the epidural space of the spine, which is located between the vertebral bones and the protective covering of the spinal cord.

Caudal Injection

Lower back pain, leg pain, and sciatica are all relatively common conditions that can severely limit your daily activities and negatively impact your quality of life. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections offer a minimally invasive solution, delivering steroids directly to the epidural space to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. On this page we will dive into the intricacies of the caudal injection procedure, its benefits, and answers to common questions, helping you understand if it’s the right option for you.

Pain Management Injections

Several types of injections can be used to diagnose and treat back pain. In many cases, injections are used for both purposes at the same time.

Occipital Nerve Block

Chronic headaches and neck pain can be debilitating, dramatically affecting your daily life and making even simple tasks difficult.

Facet Injections

Facet injections are a common treatment for patients with back pain that manifests in the facet joints, the joints that connect two vertebrae and allow the spine to perform bending and twisting motions

Facet Ablation

Our minimally invasive facet ablation procedure is aimed to treat arthritis in the spine. Your spine has a series of facet joints on the outside of your spinal cord that lay closest to your skin.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management treatment option proudly offered by Total Spine and Orthopedics.

Medial Branch Blocks

Experiencing chronic back or neck pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Medial Branch Blocks offer a minimally invasive solution, targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections can be performed to diagnose and/or treat SI joint dysfunction. Located in the lower back and pelvis, the sacroiliac joints can become inflamed as a result of several common conditions. Degenerative spine disease, arthritis and traumatic lower back injuries can all lead to SI joint pain.

What To Expect

Most patients go home shortly after the injection.

Same day

Track your relief

Note your pain level in the hours after the block.

Following days

Steroid takes effect

Anti-inflammatory benefit may build over several days.

Follow-up

Plan next steps

Results guide therapy, further injections, or surgical planning.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Pinpointing the source of pain

    Diagnostic nerve blocks help confirm which nerve is responsible before further treatment.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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