Spinal Nerve Root Blocks

Abstract

Selective nerve root block is a commonly performed procedure for targeted injection of anaesthetic agent and steroids for achieving pain relief in the affected neural distribution. It is widely used as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic procedure in non-malignant conditions such as degenerative disc disease. In the palliative setting, spinal nerve root blocks and neurolysis can be employed for neuropathic pain intractable to systemic analgesics, providing improved quality of life in terminally ill patients. Careful patient selection, appropriate choice of therapy, expert technical skills and a multidisciplinary approach are all important requisites to ensure a good outcome for the patient.