Selective Nerve Root Block Injections in Louisville, KY

Chronic back and neck pain can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of your life—from work to enjoying time with family. For many residents of Louisville, KY, conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications may not provide the lasting relief needed to regain mobility and quality of life. Selective nerve root block (SNRB) injections provide a powerful, targeted solution for individuals experiencing pain caused by irritated or compressed spinal nerves. At Commonwealth Physical Therapy, we understand the complexities of nerve pain and utilize these advanced procedures to help patients find the root cause of their discomfort and return to a more active lifestyle.

Call (502) 430-3948 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about selective nerve root block injections in Louisville, KY.

What is a Selective Nerve Root Block?

A selective nerve root block is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure designed to serve both a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. During the injection, a physician uses real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to precisely inject a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid (a powerful anti-inflammatory) into the specific nerve root suspected of causing the pain.

The local anesthetic provides immediate, though temporary, pain relief. If a patient experiences significant pain reduction immediately following the injection, it confirms that the targeted nerve root is indeed the source of the problem. This diagnostic clarity is invaluable for physicians, allowing them to formulate a more effective, long-term treatment plan. The corticosteroid, on the other hand, works to reduce inflammation around the nerve root, providing longer-lasting pain relief that can last for weeks or even months.

The Procedure and Recovery Process at Commonwealth Physical Therapy

Your journey to relief at Commonwealth Physical Therapy in Louisville begins with a thorough consultation. Our experienced team will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and may order diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact source of your pain. If an SNRB is determined to be the right course of action, our specialists will walk you through the process step-by-step.

The procedure itself is quick, typically lasting only 15-30 minutes. You will be positioned comfortably on an X-ray table, and the skin at the injection site will be sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopy, the physician will guide a thin needle to the targeted nerve root. A contrast dye may be injected to confirm the needle’s position before the therapeutic medication is delivered.

After the injection, you'll be moved to a recovery area for a brief monitoring period. While you may feel immediate relief from the anesthetic, it's important to remember that the full anti-inflammatory effects of the corticosteroid can take several days to a week to become noticeable. It's common to experience some temporary soreness at the injection site. For the rest of the day, it is recommended that you take it easy and have someone drive you home, especially if you received a mild sedative. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to assess your progress and discuss the next steps in your personalized treatment plan, which often includes physical therapy to maximize the long-term benefits of the injection.

Contact Us Today

Selective nerve root block injections offer Louisville, KY patients a precise, effective, and often life-changing option for managing chronic pain caused by spinal nerve irritation. By accurately diagnosing the source of pain and delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication to the affected area, these injections can provide significant relief, improve mobility, and allow you to participate in a physical therapy program. At Commonwealth Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care, guiding you through every step of the process—from your initial consultation to your long-term recovery plan. Don't let chronic pain define your life; contact us today to learn how an SNRB injection and our comprehensive approach to pain management can help you get back to doing the things you love.

Call (502) 430-3948 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about selective nerve root block injections in Louisville, KY.