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Nevada Pain Care Treatments

Medial Branch Block

This diagnostic procedure is performed to identify a painful facet joint. The facet joints are the joints between the vertebrae in the spine. They allow the spine to bend, flex and twist.
 

Treatment Quick Facts

What is this treatment for?

The medial branch block is performed to help determine whether or not the cause of your pain is stemming from the facet joints by numbing the medial branch nerves.

How is this treatment administered?

Your provider injects numbing medicine into your lower back that disperses around the nerves. The medicine temporarily numbs the nerves, and if this area is the source of your pain, you'll feel immediate pain relief. More than one level of the spine may need to be injected.

How long is this treatment?

The procedure typically takes about 30-60 minutes, and may be repeated as needed.
Watch and learn

Please take a moment to watch a quick procedure video.

If you have any questions, please contact us and we would be happy to help you.

About Medial Branch Block

Overview

This is an injection of numbing medicine. It bathes the medial branch nerves, which attach to the facet joints of your spine. These nerves hurt when facet joints are injured or diseased. The injection helps find the source of your pain. And it may relieve your pain for a brief time.

Is it right for me?

If you are experiencing back and/or leg pain that may be caused by a condition in the facet joints, a medial branch block may be necessary to determine the source of pain.

What is the procedure like?

To begin, your doctor injects local anesthetic. This numbs your skin and tissue around the areas to be injected. Next, your doctor guides a thin needle through the numbed tissue. A video x-ray device called a "fluoroscope" helps find your medial branch nerves. Contrast dye is injected to make sure the needle is in the right place. Then, the doctor injects numbing medicine onto the nerves. The medicine temporarily numbs the nerves. If this area is the source of your pain, you'll feel immediate pain relief. More than one level of the spine may need to be injected.

What happens after the procedure?

When the procedure is finished, you'll be watched for a brief time. Then you can go home. You may feel pain relief for the next few hours. You may be asked to keep track of your pain level as the medicine wears off. If the block was successful, your doctor can recommend a procedure to provide long-lasting relief.


Is this treatment right for you?

Schedule an appointment to discuss this treatment with your provider.

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