Root Blocks

Root blocks, or paravertebral injections, are the blockade of one specific nerve root. Commonly, these are performed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. A root block is done if epidural steroid injections have failed. Presumably, this intervention can be more effective if the inflammation is more prominent at the neural foramina. Occasionally, the mechanical obstruction of a herniated disc may prevent the steroid from spreading to the irriataed focus along the nerve root. Thus, by delivering the steroid along the nerve course outside the central canal, this blockade can be avoided. A much lower dose of methylprednisolone is employed than with epidural steroid injections, thus lowering concerns of systemic steroid side effects.

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