What is a Medial Branch Block?

A Medial Branch Block is an injection of local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves which supply sensory information from the facet joints in the spine.

Procedure Overview

  • This procedure uses a local anesthetic injected directly onto the medial branch nerves.
  • Fluoroscopic guidance is used to ensure the injection is accurate.

Key Benefits

  • Provides immediate pain relief.
  • Serves as a diagnostic tool for pinpointing the source of facet joint pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower spine.
  • Can be a necessary step before a longer-lasting procedure like radiofrequency ablation or a sacroiliac joint fusion.

Potential Risks

  • Risks can include infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, or nerve damage.
  • A temporary increase in pain may occur.

Patient Experience and Goals

  • Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
  • The primary goal is to provide immediate pain relief, accurately diagnose the cause of facet joint pain, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life.