A study on effectiveness of selective nerve root blocks in lumbar radiculopathies

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common reason for visit to a doctor & young age morbidity, disability, work absenteeism constitutes almost 40% of all occupational risk factors. Lumbar radiculopathy with or without neurological deficits are managed with variety of conservative or operative measures, and generally recovers well. Selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) having diagnostic or therapeutic use, are popular and advantageous to avoid uncertain potential surgical complications. Aim of this study is to establish therapeutic efficacy and evaluate complications following selective nerve root blocks. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, prospective study carried out from August 2016 to March 2018, on 50 cases satisfying the inclusion criteria following complete assessment, received selective nerve root blocks. Patients were assessed for pain relief and disability reduction. Result: Evaluated with VAS and ODI score. In study, immediate improvement of VAS score was 33.04%, 45.3% at 1week, 59.8% at 4weeks and 66.9% after 3months. Reduction in ODI score was 37.7% till 1week, 54.8% till 4weeks and 66.8% till 3months follow up periods. Conclusion: SNRB is an important, effective, less expensive and less invasive treatment modality to provide lasting therapeutic benefit, allowing the patient to participate in life style modifications, physiotherapies and early resumption of routine activities.