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Medial Branch Block (MBB)
At MVM Health, we use Medial Branch Blocks as a precise tool to both diagnose and relieve facet joint pain.
What Is a "Medial Branch Block"?
At MVM Health, a Medial Branch Block (also known as a Facet Block) is a precise diagnostic injection used to determine if your back pain is coming from your facet joints. These are small joints that connect the vertebrae along your spine. When they become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause localized pain that doesn’t travel down your legs. This procedure is the most effective way for our specialists to confirm the exact source of your discomfort and guide your treatment plan.
Understanding Your Facet Joints
and How Medial Branch Blocks Help
Your spine is supported by small, stabilizing joints called facet joints, which are located on the back of your spine and connect your vertebrae. These joints are essential for your mobility, providing the stability and flexibility needed to bend and twist smoothly. However, just like any other joint in your body, the facet joints can be affected by conditions like arthritis, injury, or natural wear-and-tear. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, they can cause a focused, aching pain in your back that can significantly interfere with your daily activities.
At MVM Health, we use a Medial Branch Block (MBB) as a precise diagnostic tool to determine if the facet joints are the source of your pain. The procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves—the specific nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to your brain.
What Is The Medial Branch Block Procedure?
The process begins with the patient lying face down. The skin is first sterilized with an antiseptic solution, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort. Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for absolute precision, a thin needle is carefully placed near the targeted medial branch nerves. A small amount of anesthetic is then administered around each nerve, which temporarily interrupts pain signals to help pinpoint the origin of the discomfort. The procedure is swift, typically taking only 5 to 10 minutes, and many patients experience immediate relief.
If the block is effective, it serves as a clear indicator that the patient may be a strong candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a procedure designed for longer-term pain management.
When a Medial Branch Block confirms that the facet joints are the pain generator, the next step may be an RFA. This advanced, minimally invasive procedure uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals from the affected nerves for a more durable period. It is an effective option for providing sustained relief for those experiencing arthritis-related pain in the neck, mid-back, or lower back.
Pre-Procedure and Post-Procedure Instructions
PRE-PROCEDURE
Arrange Transportation: For your safety, you must have a responsible adult drive you home after the procedure. Driving is not recommended on the day of your injection.
Discuss Medications: Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking. It is especially important to discuss any blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Plavix, Aspirin), as they may need to be temporarily stopped.
POST-PROCEDURE
Rest: Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 24 to 48 hours following the procedure to allow the area to rest.
Apply Ice: If you experience minor swelling or discomfort at the injection site, you may apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Submersion: Do not submerge the treated area in water. Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas for the first 24 to 48 hours. Taking a shower is permissible.
Monitor for Complications: Watch for any signs of infection, such as significant swelling, increasing redness, warmth, or discharge from the injection site. Please inform our clinic immediately if these or any other adverse reactions occur.
Schedule a Follow-Up: A follow-up appointment is essential to assess the diagnostic results of your block. Please schedule this with our team to discuss your progress and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.
Discover if a Medial Branch Block can put you on the path to effective, long-term pain relief. For a comprehensive evaluation from our dedicated team, contact MVM Health to schedule your appointment today.
Medial Branch Blocks
FAQ
Who is a candidate for a Medial Branch Block?
A Medial Branch Block is often recommended for individuals with chronic back, mid-back, or neck pain that has not resolved with conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. The ideal candidate is a person whose pain is suspected to originate from the facet joints, frequently due to arthritis or injury. A thorough evaluation by your MVM Health physician is required to determine if a Medial Branch Block is the appropriate diagnostic step for your condition.
What are the risks and side effects of a Medial Branch Block?
Medial Branch Blocks are a very safe procedure, but like any injection, they carry potential risks and side effects. The most common effects are temporary and mild, including soreness or bruising at the injection site, or a brief flare-up of pain before relief begins. On rare occasions, risks such as infection or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic can occur. Your physician will discuss these potential risks with you in detail prior to the procedure to ensure you are well-informed.
How long does the relief from a Medial Branch Block last?
The pain relief from a Medial Branch Block is temporary by design, generally lasting from a few hours to a few days. The procedure’s primary objective is diagnostic: to confirm or deny the facet joints as the source of your pain. If you experience a significant period of pain relief, this positive result indicates that you may be a candidate for a longer-lasting treatment, such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).
How often can the Medial Branch Block procedure be repeated?
While a Medial Branch Block can be repeated for diagnostic clarity, it is not intended to be a recurring treatment. It is most often performed as a crucial diagnostic step before proceeding with a more durable therapy like Radiofrequency Ablation. Based on your specific case and response to the initial block, your physician will recommend the appropriate next steps and timing.
Is the Medial Branch Block procedure painful?
The Medial Branch Block is typically very well-tolerated. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and underlying tissue at the injection site, minimizing discomfort. Patients may feel a brief sensation of pressure or a pinch as the needle is placed, but the procedure itself is very quick, usually taking only 5 to 10 minutes. Most individuals report feeling very little pain during the process.