Selective Spinal Nerve Block in Uijeongbu, Korea

An injection that calms an irritated spinal nerve root, confirmed on C-Arm imaging, to reduce radiating pain into the arm or leg.

In short: An injection that calms an irritated spinal nerve root, confirmed on C-Arm imaging, to reduce radiating pain into the arm or leg.

What is Selective Spinal Nerve Block?

A selective nerve root block places a small amount of local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication right beside the spinal nerve that is being pinched or inflamed. The C-Arm confirms the exact nerve before injecting. Because it targets one nerve, it both treats the pain and helps identify which level is responsible, which is valuable when MRI shows changes at several levels.

At a glance

• Type: Image-guided injection
• Korean name: 척추 신경차단술
• Performed or prescribed by: Dr. Ji Seung-hun, neurosurgeon
• Where: Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2, Uijeongbu

How it works, step by step

1. Neurological examination to match your pain pattern to a nerve level.
2. Skin numbing, then C-Arm guided needle placement beside the nerve root.
3. Contrast confirms the nerve outline before medication is injected.
4. Short observation, then home the same day.

Conditions it is used for

• Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve roots.
• Lumbar Disc Herniation: A bulging or ruptured disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve, causing back pain and sciatica down the leg.
• Neck Disc Herniation: When a cervical disc bulges or ruptures and presses on a nerve, causing neck pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm or hand with…
• Cervical Radiculopathy: A pinched nerve root in the neck causing sharp arm pain, numbness or weakness along a specific nerve path.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes nerves, typically causing leg pain, heaviness or numbness when walking that eases on sitting…

Benefits

• Targets the specific pinched nerve
• Reduces swelling and inflammation around the root
• Lessens pain radiating down the arm or leg
• Diagnostic value when several levels look abnormal

Recovery and aftercare

The treated limb may feel heavy or numb for a few hours from the local anaesthetic; arrange not to drive. Light activity is encouraged from the next day.

How many sessions will I need?

Often one to three blocks are used over a few months, combined with exercise to strengthen and protect the spine.

Cost and insurance

Coverage depends on the exact procedure and your National Health Insurance (NHIS) status; the doctor explains costs before treatment. Many Korean private indemnity (실손) policies reimburse non-covered items. See the full price and insurance guide.

Book: call 031-874-7500. Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 3F Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Korea, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2. Open Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–14:00. See directions and international patient help.

Frequently asked questions