Selective Nerve Root Block Treatment in San Antonio, TX

A selective nerve root block is a medical procedure involving the injection of medication in close proximity to a specific spinal nerve that your physician has identified as a potential source of your symptoms, which may be caused by irritation or compression of the nerve.
 
A selective nerve root block injection serves a dual purpose, allowing for both the diagnosis and treatment of an irritated spinal nerve. In instances where nerves become irritated or compressed, the resulting inflammation can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling.
 
At times, it can be challenging to pinpoint precisely which nerve is being compressed and causing pain in the arm or leg. To identify the problematic nerve, a method involves selectively numbing one nerve at a time to observe if the pain subsides. This diagnostic process, facilitated by a local anesthetic, can help provide valuable information to your doctor.
 
When the targeted nerve is determined to be the source of your symptoms, the selective nerve root block is anticipated to reduce inflammation and offer relief from your symptoms.
 
This procedure is carried out with the guidance of fluoroscopy, which involves a small amount of x-ray dye, and the precise injection of a freezing agent around the nerve as it exits the spine.

The injection is administered to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain that results from nerve pressure. Additionally, it can serve as a diagnostic tool to aid doctors in identifying whether the nerve is irritated by temporarily numbing it.
 
While many patients may experience immediate relief following a nerve block, some individuals may require a series of injections to achieve the desired outcome. Typically, the effects of the steroid component take about two to three days to become noticeable in most individuals, with their peak effectiveness occurring around two weeks.
 
In terms of post-injection expectations, some patients might encounter tenderness for a couple of days after the procedure. Temporary muscle weakness is another potential side effect that may occur if the medication reaches the motor fibers of the nerves and numbs them.
 
Preparation for this procedure is relatively minimal, however, it’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home after the injection. The specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants will conduct a thorough review of your medical history and inform you of any additional preparations that might be necessary to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Selective nerve root block procedures are designed to address chronic pain, often considered by patients who have not found relief from alternative treatments. The most suitable candidates for these procedures are typically those suffering from conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, or irritation and inflammation surrounding a nerve root.
 
It also serves the purpose of confirming the diagnosis and assessing the degree of nerve root involvement, making it beneficial for patients experiencing pain of unidentified origin.

A number of factors will influence how long a selective nerve block lasts including the treated condition and the type and purpose of the utilized nerve block.
 
Short-term nerve blocks are the most commonly utilized form of nerve block and wear off within 8-36 hours. Short-term nerve blocks are often used for diagnostic purposes. Long-term nerve blocks, on the other hand, can provide pain relief for years at a time.
 
The specialists at San Antonio Pain Consultants work with each patient to determine a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Whether they need short-term or long-lasting pain relief, a selective nerve block may be the solution.

Selective nerve block treatment is available at San Antonio Pain Consultants. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, and surrounding areas.