Medial branch nerve blocks

What are Medial Branch Nerve Blocks?

Medial branch nerve blocks are a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to relieve chronic neck, mid-back, and lower back pain caused by facet joint arthritis or injury. This treatment works by injecting a local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.

If the nerve block successfully relieves pain, it helps confirm that the facet joints are the source of discomfort. In some cases, medial branch nerve blocks are followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting relief.

Benefits of Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

  • Provides rapid pain relief by numbing the affected nerve.
  • Pinpoints the source of pain, allowing for targeted treatment.
  • Minimally invasive with no downtime, allowing for a quick return to daily activities.
  • May delay or prevent the need for surgery.
  • Can be followed by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for long-term pain control.

Who is a Candidate?

Medial branch nerve blocks may be recommended for patients who:

  • Experience chronic back or neck pain related to facet joint arthritis or injury.
  • Have difficulty bending, twisting, or performing daily movements due to stiffness and pain.
  • Need a diagnostic test to determine if the facet joints are the cause of their pain.
  • Have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments.

How the Procedure Works

Medial branch nerve blocks are performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precision:

  1. A small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves.
  2. The anesthetic temporarily blocks pain signals, confirming whether the facet joints are the source of pain.
  3. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes, and patients go home the same day.

If the nerve block provides significant pain relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be recommended for longer-lasting results.

Recovery Expectations

  • Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
  • Pain relief is often immediate, but the effects last a few hours to a few days.
  • If the block is successful, a longer-lasting treatment like RFA may be performed.
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to improve mobility and strengthen supporting muscles.

Hear From Our Experts

“Medial branch nerve blocks provide fast and effective pain relief while helping us accurately diagnose the source of discomfort. For many patients, this procedure is the first step towards long-term relief and improved mobility.” – Dr. Jason Billinghurst

Take the First Step

If chronic neck or back pain is limiting your daily activities, a medial branch nerve block can help pinpoint the cause of your pain and provide fast relief.
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