OUR LOCATIONSCall to book (212) 604-1300
OUR LOCATIONSCall to book (212) 604-1300
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A medial branch block is an outpatient procedure in which a tiny amount of a local anesthetic, either with or without a corticosteroid, is injected near the medial branch nerves. These small nerves send pain signals from your facet joints along the spine to your brain. By injecting a local anesthetic near these nerves, the doctor temporarily blocks the transmission of pain.
This also helps determine if your neck or back pain is originating from the facet joints. If the block provides significant relief, then the facet joints are likely to be the cause of your pain.
A medial branch block would most likely be a consideration for an individual who experiences persistent neck or back pain that is suspected to be caused by the facet joints. This is typically based on your history, your physical examination, and possibly ruling out imaging.
You may be considered for a medial branch if any of the following is true:
Your doctor will carefully review your individual situation to determine whether or not you qualify for a medial branch block.
During this procedure, a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is injected near the medial branch nerve. This stops the transmission of pain signals from the facet joint. If your pain is reduced and you are able to move normally, then the doctor will know which facet joints have been causing your pain. An IV may be inserted to administer intravenous medication(s) to help you relax. A local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin. Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, will be used to ensure the safe and proper position of the needle. Once your physician is sure the needle is correctly placed, the medicine will be injected.
You will be monitored for up to 30 minutes after the injection. Before you leave, you will be given discharge instructions. Keeping track of your pain helps the doctor know what the next steps will be. You may want to check for pain by moving in ways that hurt before the injection, but do not overdo it. You may feel immediate pain relief and numbness for a brief period of time after the injection. This means the medication has reached the right spot. You should be able to return to work the day after the injection but always check with your doctor.
While medial branch blocks are relatively safe, side effects may occur. Some soreness or bruising can appear at the injection site, and you may feel temporary numbness or weakness. There is a very low chance of bleeding or infection. The less common risks are nerve damage or bleeding in the spinal canal. Allergic reactions are also extremely rare.
Your doctor will review your case and discuss with you the likelihood of certain risks. After the procedure, it’s also important to report any unusual symptoms to avoid possible complications.
You can return home and relax the same day after your medial branch block. Keep in mind that the pain can worsen when the numbness wears off. You can apply ice and over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve soreness at the site of the injection. You will be able to resume regular activities, including returning to work, the day after your procedure. But don’t lift anything heavy or make twisting movements for several days. Please call your doctor for any infection, increased pain, or new weakness to prevent possible complications.
How long you can expect pain relief depends on how many areas are injured and the amount of inflammation. If your pain goes away for a short time, but then returns, you may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the medial branch nerve. This procedure provides a more permanent disruption of pain signals. The pain relief provided by a medial branch block procedure is primarily short-term and for diagnostic purposes only. Local anesthetics usually provide pain relief for anywhere from a few hours to a few days – though on occasion, it can last more than just a few days. The procedure is used to help determine if your facet joints are involved in your pain. If you experience enough pain relief, it usually suggests that your pain is indeed coming from the facet joints, and this could lead to a discussion about longer-term options for pain relief, such as radiofrequency ablation. As the pain relief wears off, be sure to think about how long the pain relief lasted and how much relief you got so that you can discuss it with your doctor.
A medial branch block can be a useful tool for determining the source of chronic neck and back pain. While it provides short-term relief, the real benefit is to inform your next treatment options. If you’re looking for more information about your pain and how to treat it, this procedure can provide valuable answers. Be sure to keep in touch with your physician to determine what comes next.
New York Pain Care
20 Squadron Blvd, Suite 290
New City, NY 10956
(212) 242-8160
