Medial branch blocks are injections administered around the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the spine to the brain. These injections serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes by helping to confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain and providing temporary relief.
MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCKS
How the Procedure Works
The patient’s facet joint pain is identified based on history, physical examination, and possibly imaging like an MRI.
Under X-ray guidance, a fine needle is positioned near the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints.
An anesthetic (and sometimes a steroid) is injected to temporarily block the pain signals. If the patient experiences immediate relief, the facet joint is confirmed as the pain source.
If pain relief is short-lived, longer-term treatments like radiofrequency ablation may be recommended.
Relief from a medial branch block may last for several hours to a few days. The goal is often diagnostic to determine if further intervention is warranted.
BENEFITS OF MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCKS (MBB)
Take Control of Your Spine Health
Medial Branch Blocks offer a precise, minimally invasive way to identify and manage spine-related pain. If chronic back or neck pain is affecting your quality of life, contact Dr. Aleks today to learn how MBB can provide targeted relief and guide you toward effective, long-term solutions.