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Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block

 

Overview

This injection relieves pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms caused by a pinched nerve (or nerves) in the cervical spine. It can be used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy.

The procedure is performed with the patient lying face down or face up to expose the neck. The patient may be sedated but awake during the procedure. A region of skin and tissue of the neck is numbed with a local anesthetic delivered through a small needle.

The physician uses an x-ray device called a fluoroscope to guide a needle to the painful area of the neck. The needle is inserted into the neural foramen space, which is the region through which spinal nerves travel.

Contrast dye is injected into the space to make sure the needle is properly positioned near the irritated nerve or nerves.

An anesthetic solution is injected into the foramen space, bathing the irritated nerve.

The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied. Some patients may need only one injection, but two or three injections may be needed to provide significant pain relief.

Those who suffer from chronic pain feel as if they have lost control over their lives. Chronic pain, especially nerve pain, causes people to ignore the things they love the most to maintain a semblance of composure. It's time to get fixed and regain control over your life. You have options.

A cervical selective nerve root block can relieve nerve pain in your head, neck, and shoulders. But how does it work?

What Is Selective Nerve Root Block?

A selective nerve root block injects a unique anesthetic solution into the area you find most painful. The solution is injected into the neural foramen space, your nerve highway through the body. This particular injection can be used to relieve pain in arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other related nerve problems.

You may have the choice to be sedated during the procedure if anxiety is a problem, but the injection sites are numbed beforehand with a local anesthetic. You are left with a small bandage covering the injection site and a relief from your pain. You may need to receive up to three injections for complete relief, but you can usually get back to your real-life almost immediately after the procedure.

What Are The Symptoms And Side Effects of A Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block?

This injection is known to eliminate or decrease pain significantly in 50% of patients within one year. There are several specific symptoms of nerve pain that you may be suffering from. Along with pain surging through the nerve area, you may feel numbness in the skin around the site and general weakness and burning in the area. Your range of motion in your neck and shoulders may be limited, and reducing inflammation is the key to the procedure's success.

The side effects that you may experience from the injection(s) include acne, dry and thinning skin, changes in your mood, moderate headaches, and even allergic reactions. These effects are usually rare, and they will fade with time. According to a study initiated by doctors and published last year in Asian Spine Journal, there were no severe complications to the procedure.

Relief And Recovery After A Cervical Selective Nerve Root Block

The doctors can give you up to three injections per year, with 67% of patients recording a significant decrease in their level of pain and discomfort after the first three months, and 57% were still pain-free after six months.

Pain relief and the recovery of your comfort and happiness are possible with a cervical selective nerve root block. Any feelings of hope will not be in vain.

Contact The Pain Relief Experts in San Diego

Contact us at The Pain Center San Diego for lasting relief of daily pain and discomfort. Your pain CAN stop here. Give us a call at (619) 578-3740 for additional questions or to schedule an initial appointment to begin your journey.

 

CONTACT THE PAIN CENTER SAN DIEGO

Phone:

619-578-3740 (Service will terminate on 06/28/2024)

Fax:

208-342-4223

Email:

admin@thepaincentersandiego.com

Address:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Hours:

NONE - PERMANENTLY CLOSED EFFECTIVE 03/21/2024

Forms:

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

NOTICE OF PERMANENT CLOSURE

Dear Valued Patients and Healthcare Professionals,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of The Pain Center – San Diego, effective March 21, 2024. We understand the importance of continuity of care and are committed to assisting you during this transition period.

For patients currently under our care for pain management, we urge you to contact your primary care physician promptly to request a referral to another pain management specialist. Your health and well-being remain our top priority, and we want to ensure you continue to receive the necessary care and support.

For medication management patients, please note that we have sent 60 days’ worth of medication to your designated pharmacy. It is imperative that you establish care with another healthcare provider before your medication runs out to avoid any interruptions in your treatment plan.

To obtain your medical records, please follow the instructions below:

Request a "Release of Information" Form: You can email us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com to request a "Release of Information" form or you can also find one on our website by following this link AUTHORIZATION TO DISCLOSE PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION

Via Request of Another Medical Office: If you wish for your medical records to be transferred to another provider's office, you may sign a written authorization with their office requesting your records be sent to them.

Upon completion of the "Release of Information" form or receipt of written authorization from another medical office, we will send your medical records to the designated receiving party as specified. Please note the following:

  • Records directly to the patient will be provided within 15 days of receiving the request.
  • Other requests may take longer to process (such as to another medical office)
  • Please specify the transmission method for your records: USPS mail (default), email (preferred), or facsimile.
  • Ensure that the form is accurately completed and signed to prevent any delays in processing your request.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:

  • Records will not be compiled until we receive an accurate, completed, and signed written request.
  • Patients are entitled to one free copy of their medical records for personal use.
  • Additional copies will incur copying fees as per California Health & Safety Code Section 123110.
  • Medical records will be retained in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this closure and extend our gratitude for your trust and loyalty over the years. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@thepaincentersandiego.com.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this transition period.

Warm regards,


Sandra Thompson, MD

The Pain Center – San Diego