Selective Nerve Root Block Injections in Elizabethtown, KY

Living with chronic pain can be a debilitating experience, affecting every aspect of your life. For many residents of Elizabethtown, KY, and the surrounding areas, persistent back or neck pain due to a pinched or irritated nerve can make simple daily activities feel impossible. At Commonwealth Pain & Spine Elizabethtown, we understand the profound impact of this pain, and we are dedicated to providing advanced, targeted treatments to help you find relief. One of the most effective tools in our arsenal is the selective nerve root block (SNRB) injection, a minimally invasive procedure that can both diagnose and treat the source of your pain.

Call (270) 545-4087 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about selective nerve root block injections in Elizabethtown, KY.

Understanding Selective Nerve Root Block Injections

A selective nerve root block is a highly targeted procedure designed to address pain originating from a specific spinal nerve root. As nerves exit your spinal column, they can become compressed or inflamed due to conditions like a herniated disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. This pressure can lead to a variety of symptoms, including localized pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness that radiates into your arms or legs.

During an SNRB procedure, a pain management specialist at Commonwealth Pain & Spine Elizabethtown uses advanced imaging technology, such as fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), to precisely guide a thin needle to the area around the affected nerve root. A combination of a local anesthetic and a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid medication is then injected. The anesthetic provides immediate, temporary relief, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation over time, offering long-lasting therapeutic benefits.

The term "selective" is key because the procedure focuses on a single, suspected nerve root. This precision makes it an invaluable diagnostic tool. If the injection successfully relieves your pain, it confirms that the targeted nerve is indeed the cause of your symptoms, guiding our physicians in developing a more effective, long-term treatment plan.

What to Expect During the Procedure in Elizabethtown

Before your selective nerve root block injection, a specialist at Commonwealth Pain & Spine Elizabethtown will conduct a thorough consultation to review your medical history and imaging results. On the day of the procedure, you will be comfortably positioned on a treatment table. After the injection site is cleaned and a local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin, our physician will use fluoroscopy to precisely guide the needle. A contrast dye may also be used to ensure the medication reaches the exact location of the irritated nerve. The entire process is typically quick, lasting only 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients can return home the same day.

Following the injection, you will spend a brief period in a recovery area to ensure you are feeling well. You may experience some immediate relief from the anesthetic, but it is important to remember that the full anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid may take a few days to become noticeable. It's not uncommon to feel some temporary soreness at the injection site. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress.

Commonwealth Pain & Spine Elizabethtown: Your Partner in Pain Management

At Commonwealth Pain & Spine Elizabethtown, we are committed to providing our community with the highest level of care. Our team of experienced, board-certified pain management physicians specializes in interventional procedures like selective nerve root blocks to accurately diagnose and effectively treat your chronic pain. If you are struggling with persistent pain that radiates from your spine, contact our Elizabethtown clinic to schedule a consultation. We believe that no one should have to live with chronic pain, and we are here to help you find the relief you deserve.

Call (270) 545-4087 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment and learn more about selective nerve root block injections in Elizabethtown, KY.