Comparative study of sonology-guided nerve root block versus conservative treatment of radiculopathy

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Radiculopathy is a common disabling condition characterized by pain and functional impairment due to nerve root compression. Ultrasound-guided nerve root block has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic relief. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of sonoguided nerve root block with conservative treatment in patients with radiculopathy. Methods & Materials: This comparative interventional study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of Bangladesh Medical University from January 2025 to December 2025 among 41 patients with cervical radiculopathy. Participants were divided into sonoguided nerve root block group (n=21) and conservative treatment group (n=20). Pain intensity was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional disability using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: The majority of patients belonged to the 41-50 years age group (36.6%) and males constituted 61.0% of participants. After 12 weeks, the mean VAS score was significantly lower in the sonoguided group compared to the conservative group (2.6 ± 1.1 vs 4.8 ± 1.4; p=0.001). ODI score also improved significantly in the intervention group (18.4 ± 5.6 vs 29.7 ± 6.3; p=0.002). Patient satisfaction was higher in the sonoguided group (85.7%) than the conservative group (50.0%). Conclusion: Sonoguided nerve root block was more effective than conservative treatment in reducing pain and improving functional outcome among patients with radiculopathy.