(931) 548-4768
  • Make a Payment
  • Directions
Patient Registration

The Surgery Center of Middle TennesseeThe Surgery Center of Middle Tennessee

  • For Patients
    • Keeping You Safe During COVID-19
    • Your Appointment
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Registration
    • Insurance and Billing
    • CareCredit
  • Find a Physician
  • Our Procedures
  • Conditions
  • For Physicians
  • About Us

Selective Nerve Blocks (SNRB)

A selective nerve block (SNRB) is the injection of a local anesthetic along a specific nerve root. This procedure is used primarily to diagnose nerve root compression. SNRB injections are isolated to various locations along the spine to determine which nerve root is causing the pain. If the patient’s pain dissipates after the injection at a particular nerve root, it can be inferred that the source of pain was being generated at the selected nerve root. Along with acting as a diagnostic tool, SNRBs can alleviate the discomfort associated with nerve root compression when used with an injectable steroid.

Administering a selective nerve block only takes a few minutes, but it is recommended to allow an hour for the entire visit, including a pre-operative consultation with the physician as well as post-operative observation.

What Happens during Selective Nerve Blocks?

A selective nerve block is performed by injecting a local anesthetic adjacent to vertebral foramina along the spine from which nerve roots emerge. Prior to the block being administered, the site is anesthetized with a local anesthetic.

Patients may feel some mild radiating pain as the medication is injected adjacent to the affected nerve root.

Post-Operative Care

After receiving a selective nerve block, patients are advised to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving for at least 24 hours. It is advised that patients rest for a few days following the procedure.

Perform activities within your range without stressing your spine.

Possible Side Effects

There are few side effects of selective nerve blocks. Immediately after the procedure, your arms and legs may feel heavy and numb. This is due to the local anesthetic and usually wears off within a few hours. Other side effects can include pain at the injection site and headaches. In rare cases, patients experience infection, bleeding or nerve damage.

ACL Repair Anterior Cervical Fusion (ACF) Arthrodesis Blepharoplasty Bunion/Hammer Toe Correction Cataract Surgery Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Treatments Corneal Transplants Disc Decompression Dupuytren's Surgery Epidural Steroid Injection Eye Exams and Consultations Eyelid Surgery for Aging Eyes Facet Joint Injections Ganglion Mass Excision General Anesthesia Glaucoma Laser Treatments IOLs Implantable Contact Lenses Intercostal Nerve Blocks Intrathecal Pumps – Trial and Implant Joint Arthroscopy: Knee, Shoulder and Ankle Joint Injections Ligament Repair Lumbar Discectomy Lumbar Laminectomy Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) Oculoplastics & Reconstructive Surgery Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) Orthopedic Procedures Pain Stimulator Insertion (Spinal Cord Stimulation) Peripheral Nerve Blocks Plantar Fasciotomy Pterygium Surgery Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Radiofrequency Lesioning Repair of Fractures, Tendons, Nerves Rotator Cuff Repair Sacral Nerve Stimulation Sacroiliac Joint Injection Selective Nerve Blocks (SNRB) Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial Spine Procedures Strabismus Surgery Sympathetic Ganglion Ablations Sympathetic Nerve Blocks Tenosynovectomy Trabeculectomy Trigger Point Injections Vision Services Vitrectomy YAG Laser Procedure
  • Contact Us
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Terms of Service
  • Internet Privacy Policy
  • Billing Disclosure

The Surgery Center of Middle Tennessee
1050 North James Campbell Blvd., Suite 120,
Columbia, TN 38401

© 2023 The Surgery Center of Middle Tennessee