Chronic neck or back pain can make everyday movement difficult, especially when pain originates from the small joints of the spine. At the Anchor Spine & Joint offices in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, the skilled orthopedic surgeon team offers medial branch blocks to help identify and temporarily relieve pain associated with the facet joints. To schedule your consultation today, call the nearest office or book online.
What are medial branch blocks?
Medial branch blocks are minimally invasive injections used to evaluate and relieve pain originating from the facet joints of your spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae that help stabilize your spine and allow it to bend and twist.
Small nerves called medial branch nerves carry pain signals from these joints to your brain. During a medial branch block, your Anchor Spine & Joint provider injects a local anesthetic near the targeted medial branch nerves to temporarily interrupt those signals.
Because the procedure can provide temporary pain relief, it may also help your provider determine whether a particular facet joint is responsible for your symptoms.
Can I benefit from a medial branch block?
Your provider may recommend a medial branch block if you experience persistent neck or back pain that may originate from the facet joints. This type of pain can develop due to conditions or changes such as:
- Facet joint arthritis
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Facet joint inflammation
- Previous spinal injuries
- Age-related wear and tear
Medial branch blocks are often considered when conservative treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, haven’t provided adequate relief.
What happens during a medial branch block?
Before your procedure, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, medications, and any relevant imaging. They identify the nerves most likely associated with your pain and explain what you can expect during the injection.
You lie comfortably on an exam table while your provider cleans and numbs the treatment area. Using image guidance to ensure accuracy, they carefully position a needle near the targeted medial branch nerves and administer the medication.
The procedure is typically brief, and you’re monitored for a short time afterward.
What happens after a medial branch block?
Your provider may ask you to monitor your pain closely following the injection. How much relief you experience and how long it lasts can provide valuable information about whether the targeted facet joints are contributing to your pain.
Because relief from a diagnostic medial branch block is generally temporary, your provider may discuss additional treatment options based on your response.
To learn whether medial branch blocks may help identify the source of your neck or back pain, call the nearest Anchor Spine & Joint office or book an appointment online today.