Facet Joint & Medial Branch Blocks
What Is It?
Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that help guide movement. Arthritis, injury, or repetitive stress can make these joints painful. Medial branch nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints, and diagnostic medial branch blocks can help determine whether the facet joints are an important source of pain.
How Can It Help?
A small amount of local anesthetic is placed near the medial branch nerves under image guidance. The degree and duration of temporary relief are then compared with the patient’s usual pain. When the response meets appropriate criteria, radiofrequency ablation may be considered for longer-lasting relief.
What Can Patients Expect?
This is generally an outpatient diagnostic procedure. Patients are often asked to track their pain and activity closely after the block so the response can be interpreted accurately.
Questions? Call 855-932-7426
A member of our team will answer all your questions and help you find relief.