Stanford Interventional Spine Center

Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB)

Selective Nerve Block

What is it:                           
SNRB is a procedure that targets specific nerves and relieves the pain caused by inflammation.  To ensure proper placement of the medication the procedure is done under fluoroscopy or x-ray.

Who Benefits:                     
SNRB is an excellent treatment for patients with back and leg pain.

Purpose:                              
SNRB is a procedure that is performed to determine if a specific spinal nerve is the source of pain.  By injecting steroid medication the inflammation is reduced thus alleviating the pain. 

How is it Done:                    
First an IV is started and you may be given medicine for relaxation if you so desire.  Next, while lying on an x-ray table your skin will be cleansed and prepared.  A local anesthetic is given to numb the skin surface.  A physician locates under fluoroscopy a specific nerve root.  A needle is then inserted and an anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the area bathing the nerve root.

What to Expect:                   
During the injection pain will be increased temporarily.  Following the procedure you may experience some initial discomfort for about 2 to 3 days.  Once the medication reaches the inflamed area your pain should hopefully be relieved.

  Post Procedure Instructions for Spinal Injections

Back to List of Procedures               Pre-procedure Instructions

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This document was last modified: Wednesday, 25-May-2005 13:54:18 PDT
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