A cervical nerve root block (selective nerve root block) is a precision injection of local anesthetic and steroid adjacent to a specific cervical nerve root as it exits the spine. Like lumbar nerve root blocks, these serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for arm pain, numbness, and weakness originating from cervical nerve root compression.
Who Needs a Cervical Nerve Root Block?
Cervical nerve root blocks are used when:
- A patient has arm pain, numbness, or weakness (cervical radiculopathy) and the exact nerve root level causing symptoms needs clarification
- MRI shows disc herniation or foraminal stenosis at one or more levels
- Treatment with cervical ESI has been insufficient or a specific level needs targeted treatment
- Pre-surgical assessment is needed to confirm which nerve root should be addressed
Understanding Cervical Radiculopathy
Arm pain from the cervical spine follows predictable patterns based on which nerve root is compressed:
- C5: Shoulder pain, deltoid weakness
- C6: Thumb and index finger numbness, wrist weakness
- C7: Middle finger numbness, triceps weakness
- C8: Ring and pinky finger numbness, grip weakness
If your symptoms match one of these patterns and MRI shows compression at the corresponding level, a cervical nerve root block can confirm that root as the pain generator.
The Procedure
Cervical nerve root blocks require exceptional precision given the anatomy of the neck. Dr. Rubin performs all cervical nerve root blocks under fluoroscopic guidance with contrast confirmation. You lie on your side; the target nerve root foramen is identified under X-ray and the needle is carefully advanced with continuous imaging.
After the Block
Track your symptom relief carefully during the first 2–4 hours. This immediate response to the anesthetic is the most diagnostically valuable information. Complete or near-complete relief during this window strongly confirms the targeted nerve root as the source of your arm pain.
Contact Us
For arm pain, hand numbness, or weakness originating from your neck, call 516-492-3100 to discuss whether a cervical nerve root block is the appropriate next step.
