ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: A retrospective study on the usefulness of selective spinal nerve root block among lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD), spinal stenosis and postoperative syndrome over 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From a total 1195 patients, whose symptoms were not improved by conservative treatment, 505 treated by selective nerve root block were divided into 3 groups; 150 (29.7%) with HIVD, 313 (62.0%) with spinal stenosis and 42 with postoperative syndrome, and were followed up from Oct. 1992 to Dec 2001. The degree of pain and activity were evaluated by a visual analogue scale method at the out-patient department or through telephone interviews. RESULTS: The end-results of selective spinal nerve root block, with more than 50% reduction in pain occurred in 380 (75.3%) of the 505 patients. The effectiveness was greater in young patients with HIVD than elderly patients with spinal stenosis. After discharge, 160 patients (31.7%) needed no other treatment: 14 (31.0%) with an extrusion type HIVD and 17 (20.0%) with spondylolisthesis. The only 98 patients (19.4%) needed a surgical procedure after selective spinal nerve root block. CONCLUSION: Selective spinal nerve root block in patients with lower back and radiating pain is a valuable conservative treatment to quickly improved symptoms and avoid surgical procedures and the continuous administration of drugs.