Medical Branch Block

If you need relief from chronic neck or back pain, the first step is identifying the source of the problem. A medial branch block performed by the experienced team at Minimally Invasive Medical Group can ease your pain while identifying if your symptoms come from a spinal joint. After the block verifies the joint responsible for your pain, they can recommend long-lasting treatment options. Connect through online booking or call the office in Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, or Irvine, California, today to get relief from your spinal pain.

What is a medial branch block?

A medial branch block temporarily relieves pain originating in the spinal joints (facet joints). Your provider targets a specific facet joint and its medial branch nerves, which carry pain messages to your brain. Then, they inject a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals and eases the pain.

Your medial branch block may also contain corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation. However, the injection’s primary purpose is to verify whether that joint is responsible for your pain. The joint is verified as the source if the anesthetic eases your pain. 

Following a successful medial branch block, your provider can recommend a treatment that gives longer-lasting relief, like radiofrequency ablation.

When would I need a medial branch block?

The Minimally Invasive Medical Group team may recommend a medial branch block to temporarily relieve discomfort and help diagnose neck or back pain caused by inflamed or damaged facet joints (the joints that connect vertebrae).

A few conditions that may cause facet joint problems include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Facet joint instability
• Degenerative disc disease
• Ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory arthritis)
• Degenerative spondylolisthesis (vertebra slips out of position)
• Traumatic injuries (sports injury or car accident)

Facet joint problems may also pinch spinal nerves, resulting in arm or leg pain.

What happens during a medial branch block?

Minimally Invasive Medical Group always prioritizes your comfort during a medial branch block. They use a local anesthetic at the injection site and offer a sedative to reduce anxiety and help you relax.

Your experienced provider uses imaging techniques such as ultrasound and fluoroscopy, an advanced real-time X-ray, to view the nerve and the needle.

The injection also contains a substance that shows up on the X-ray, allowing your provider to verify the needle’s location and see where the medication goes.

The medial branch block procedure takes 15-30 minutes, and you stay in the office for 30-60 minutes after the injection for observation.

How long does it take a medial branch block to work?

If the joint is the source of your pain, the anesthetic should work rapidly, giving you some relief immediately and optimal results over a few hours. The anesthetic wears off in 4-12 hours, depending on the medication used.

Call Minimally Invasive Medical Group or book an appointment online today to schedule a consultation and learn more about medial branch blocks.