A selective nerve root block is what it sounds like.  A needle is placed near the exiting nerve root in question using fluroscopy (a real-time x-ray that helps the doctor see where the needle is going).   Anti-inflammatory is injected around this nerve in an attempt to calm it down and reduce the symptoms of a herniated disc or radiculitis.  Since the needle is in an exact spot (unlike an epidural steroid injection which is more of a general approach), this technique can help identify which specific level is involved.

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