Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Spinal Fusion Alternatives
Pain Management Procedures
Diagnostic Procedures
- Facet Joint Blocks
- Branch Nerve Blocks
- Nerve Root Blocks
- Spinal Discography
- Spinal Probing
- Intradiscal Injection
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Medial Branch Nerve Blocks
Medial branch nerve blocks are very simple and safe procedures used by our physicians with satisfying results for our patients. They are done under x-ray guidance and with the patient under light sedation. Patients are generally released after 1-2 hours after their medial branch nerve blocks and can return to their normal work and activities the next day, if sedation is used.
Local anesthetic
Contrast solution
Anesthetic injected, pain blocked
What Is a Medial Branch Nerve Block?
The nerves that sense facet joint problems in the neck and spine are called medial branch nerves. A medial branch nerve block refers to the use of a local anesthetic medication (injected to the suspected pain-generating site) to numb the medial branch nerves. For example, a lumbar medical branch nerve block is commonly used to relieve pain of the lower back.
A medial branch nerve block temporarily stops the transmission of pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. Generally, if you have been scheduled for a medial branch nerve block, or medial branch nerve block test, it probably because facet joint injections have not provided satisfying pain relief. Having a medial branch nerve block with a local anesthetic may help determine if long-term pain relief can be achieved with a more permanent way of blocking these nerves, for example radiofrequency nerve ablation (sometimes referred to as rhizotomy).
What Are the Risks of These Procedures?
Potential risks and or complications that may occur from a medial branch nerve block include allergic reactions to the medication, discomfort at the injection site, bleeding, and infections (rare).
Some patients receiving medial branch nerve blocks may also experience side effects such as weakness or numbness that can last for several hours. Patients with diabetes may have a temporary elevation of their blood sugar levels.