A lumbar selective nerve root block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. It involves injecting a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near the nerve root that is suspected to be the source of pain. This injection is guided by imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound to ensure precision and accuracy.
The procedure can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression. By temporarily blocking the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain, a nerve root block can provide diagnostic information about the specific source of the pain and offer therapeutic relief. It is often considered as part of non-operative management for lumbar spine disorders and may be repeated as needed for ongoing symptom control.