Medial Branch Block
Medial Branch Block
A medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and relieve pain originating from the facet joints in your spine. For patients dealing with persistent back or neck pain, this procedure can pinpoint the source and provide meaningful relief, often without surgery, incisions, or general anesthesia.
At Pain & Spine Physicians, our team offers advanced, in-office treatments designed to target pain at its source. Call us at (972) 350-0225 or contact us online to find out whether a medial branch block is right for you.
What a Medial Branch Block Treats
Medial branch blocks are used primarily to address pain originating in the facet joints, which are the small joints along the back of the spine that control movement and provide stability. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, they produce deep, aching discomfort in the neck or lower back that can be difficult to distinguish from other spinal conditions without targeted diagnostic testing. A medial branch block helps confirm whether these joints are the source by temporarily interrupting the nerve signals responsible for transmitting that pain.
How the Procedure Works
A medial branch block is performed in an outpatient setting using fluoroscopic imaging guidance to ensure precise needle placement. The procedure does not require general anesthesia and typically takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish.
- A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort at the injection site
- Using real-time fluoroscopic guidance, the physician positions the needle near the targeted medial branch nerves
- A small amount of anesthetic is injected to temporarily block pain signals traveling from the facet joints
- You are monitored briefly before being released to go home the same day
Significant pain relief following the injection confirms that the targeted nerves are contributing to your symptoms. When the medial branch block confirms facet joints as the pain source, the next step is often radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a longer-lasting treatment that targets the same nerves without surgery, incisions, or general anesthesia.
Benefits of a Medial Branch Block
For patients dealing with facet joint pain, a medial branch block offers several meaningful advantages over more invasive diagnostic and treatment approaches:
- Minimally invasive
- Diagnostic precision
- Temporary pain relief
- Same-day return to activity
Why Patients Choose Pain & Spine Physicians
Spine-related pain requires a provider with the specialized training and in-office capabilities to both diagnose the problem accurately and treat it effectively without defaulting to surgery. Pain & Spine Physicians offers non-surgical solutions that offer faster recovery times and fewer risks than traditional spine surgery.
All physicians at Pain & Spine Physicians are board-certified in pain management medicine, and that level of specialization shapes every evaluation and treatment decision across the practice. Our in-house capabilities allow for coordinated, cost-effective care across multiple state-of-the-art locations in DFW and North Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Medial Branch Block Last?
The diagnostic anesthetic effect is short-lived by design, typically lasting several hours to a day. However, some patients experience therapeutic relief lasting several weeks following the injection.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. A local anesthetic is applied before the injection, and the procedure is performed with imaging guidance for precise placement. The experience is generally well-tolerated and brief.
Can a Medial Branch Block Be Repeated?
Yes, the procedure may be repeated if clinically appropriate based on your response and your provider’s recommendation. It is also commonly used as a precursor to radiofrequency ablation, which provides longer-lasting relief by targeting the same nerves.
Schedule an Appointment With Pain & Spine Physicians
Persistent back or neck pain that has not responded to rest or general treatment deserves a precise diagnosis, not continued guesswork. A medial branch block can identify whether facet joints are the source of your pain.
Pain & Spine Physicians serves patients throughout DFW and North Texas. Call (972) 350-0225 or contact us online to request an appointment at your preferred location.