What Is a Medial Branch Block?
A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection used to determine whether facet joints are the source of pain by temporarily numbing the nerves that supply these joints.
What Conditions Does It Help Evaluate?
- Facet-mediated neck or back pain
- Chronic axial spine pain
How Does It Work?
A local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves. If pain relief occurs, it suggests that the facet joints are likely the source of symptoms.
What to Expect
- Short, image-guided procedure
- Temporary pain relief (diagnostic)
- May be used to determine candidacy for further treatment such as radiofrequency ablation
Our Approach
We coordinate these diagnostic procedures with experienced pain management specialists and use the results to guide your overall treatment plan.