Why is a Medial Branch Block Procedure Performed?

This procedure's primary goal is to rule out if a problem with your facet joints is the cause of your back pain. After the procedure, you may experience temporary pain relief from your condition. If the numbing medication blocks the pain signals to your brain, you may be a candidate for other procedures to relieve your condition.

During a medial branch block, your doctor will make a series of injections in each region of your back. Depending on what part of your spine is in pain, facet joint injections can identify many conditions, including sciatica.

How to Prepare for A Medial Branch Block Procedure

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about any related conditions. Be sure to mention issues like allergies and family history. Tell your doctor about any medication you are taking — including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and other health supplements. These are crucial for planning your procedure.

A medial branch block procedure is a relatively quick procedure. Typically, it does not involve a hospital stay. Before your appointment, make arrangements with a loved one or professional service to take you home. Do not drive yourself home or plan any strenuous activities immediately following your procedure.

What Happens During a Medial Branch Block?

In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned on their stomach. The physician injects a local anesthetic. This numbs the skin and tissue around the facet joint that is suspected of causing the patient's pain.

Once this tissue is numb, the physician inserts a needle into the skin. The needle is carefully guided down to the facet joint. The physician injects a contrast solution through this needle. The contrast solution helps the physician see the area on a camera called a fluoroscope. The fluoroscope provides live x-ray images. The physician uses the fluoroscope to confirm the location of the needle's tip.

Once the physician has confirmed that the needle is positioned correctly, the physician attaches a syringe containing an anesthetic medication. This medication is injected around small nerves called the medial branch nerves. These carry signals to and from the facet joints. The anesthetic will temporarily block sensation in these nerves.

If the temporary injection relieves the patient's pain, the physician may inject a more long-lasting anesthetic. If the temporary injection does not relieve the pain, the physician may test nearby facet joints to identify the correct one.

Are There Risks Associated With Medial Branch Block Procedures?

No procedure is entirely free from complications. That said, there are minimal risks to medial branch block procedures. Some common side effects include:

• Bleeding

• Increased pain

• Inflection

• Allergic reaction

• Spinal cord or nerve damage

Your Resurgens Physician will be able to give you a more comprehensive breakdown of side effects and risks.

Post Medial Branch Block Injection and Recovery

Following a brief observation period, you will be discharged after your procedure. You may start to feel pain relief in the next few hours. Do not overexert yourself in the first few days following your procedure. Gradually resume your regular exercise routine.

A medial branch block is only a diagnostic procedure. Expect your original pain to return after a few days. If the medial branch block injection is successful, your physician will recommend more longer-lasting therapeutic procedures.

Getting the treatment you need starts with a visit to the Resurgens Spine Center. Schedule an appointment at one of our 24 Metro Atlanta locations to learn more.

Learn more about the Spine Center at Resurgens Orthopaedics.