As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, many individuals with chronic back or leg pain find that their symptoms intensify. The cold weather and lack of activity can exacerbate nerve compression and inflammation, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. If you’re struggling with persistent pain in your neck, back, or legs, a Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) could provide the relief you need to feel more comfortable this season.

What is a Selective Nerve Block?

A Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to target specific nerve roots in the cervical (neck), thoracic (chest), or lumbar (lower back) areas of the spine. This procedure involves injecting a combination of steroid medication and a numbing agent around the affected nerve root to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.



The SNRB is particularly effective in diagnosing and treating nerve pain caused by conditions like disc herniations, sciatica, and other forms of nerve compression. Whether you are dealing with acute pain from a recent injury or chronic discomfort that worsens with the cold, an SNRB can help you get back to doing the things you love during winter.

How Does It Work?

When a nerve root becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling in areas such as the back, legs, and feet. If your MRI doesn’t clearly indicate which nerve is causing the pain, a Selective Nerve Root Block can provide clarity. The procedure helps isolate the source of pain and provides immediate relief by blocking the pain signals sent from the affected nerve root.

The SNRB procedure is simple and typically takes 30-60 minutes. The patient is positioned lying face down while the area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, a needle is carefully inserted near the nerve root. A mixture of local anesthetic and corticosteroid is injected to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

Benefits for Winter Pain

Winter months can be tough on the body, particularly when it comes to managing back and leg pain. The cold weather often leads to muscle stiffness, which can worsen nerve compression. A Selective Nerve Root Block offers several benefits:

1. Quick Relief: The local anesthetic can provide immediate pain relief, which can be especially comforting in the winter when discomfort may feel more pronounced.
2. Long-Term Pain Management: The steroid medication works over time to reduce inflammation and provide relief that may last for weeks or months, giving you the ability to enjoy winter activities without the burden of constant pain.
3. Improved Mobility: Pain relief from a successful nerve block can help restore your range of motion, making it easier to stay active during colder months.
4. Minimally Invasive: Since the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, there’s no need for lengthy recovery times. Many patients return to normal activities the next day.

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the procedure, patients may feel some temporary discomfort at the injection site or experience mild side effects such as lightheadedness or headaches. However, most people can return to their normal routine within a day. The steroid medication typically takes a few days to show its full effects, so some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain before feeling relief.

Is a Selective Nerve Root Block Right for You?

If you’re suffering from back, leg, or neck pain that worsens in the winter, a Selective Nerve Root Block could be an effective solution. Dr. Moradian and Dr. Vartanian at iSCORE offer personalized care to help you manage and treat your pain. The SNRB can help both diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your pain, providing lasting relief during the cold months ahead.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call iSCORE today at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096. Don’t let winter pain hold you back—take the first step toward feeling better and reclaim your life.