At Vertex Pain Physicians, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for individuals dealing with severe osteoarthritic pain or facet joint pain. Medial Branch Nerve Blocks (MBNB) are highly effective diagnostic tool that helps identify and locate the pain in your spine and localize the source of your pain in order to provide definitive treatment with radiofrequency ablation.
What Are Medial Branch Nerves?
Medial branch nerves are small nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. Facet joints are located along the spine and help provide stability and mobility. When these joints become inflamed or irritated due to arthritis, injury, or degenerative conditions, they can cause persistent cervical, thoracic, or lumbar back pain.
What Is a Diagnostic Medial Branch Nerve Block?
A diagnostic medial branch block is a procedure where a small amount of local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves. The goal is to temporarily numb these nerves to see if they are the source of your pain. If your pain is significantly reduced after the injection, it indicates that these nerves are likely contributing to your discomfort.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Medial Branch Nerve Block?
Facet Joint Pain (Facet Syndrome)
Caused by arthritis, injury, or degeneration of the facet joints.
Whiplash-Associated Disorders
Pain following neck trauma, often from car accidents.
Spondylosis (Spinal Osteoarthritis)
Degenerative arthritis affecting the spine’s facet joints.
Chronic Back Pain
Especially in the lower back (lumbar region) or mid-back (thoracic region) that is not responsive to conservative treatments.
Mechanical Back or Neck Pain
Pain caused by structural issues rather than nerve compression (e.g., from herniated discs).
Neck Pain (Cervical Facet Syndrome)
Due to facet joint dysfunction in the cervical spine.
Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
Persistent pain after spinal surgery, often linked to facet joint irritation.
What to Expect During the Medial Branch Nerve Block Procedure
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Before the Procedure: Preparation
- Medical Evaluation: Your physician will conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, to confirm the diagnosis and plan the procedure.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking. You may need to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, before the procedure.
- Fasting: Depending on the type of anesthesia (local or general), you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure.
- Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Consent and Briefing: You’ll sign a consent form and receive instructions on what to expect during and after the procedure.
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During the Procedure
The procedure usually lasts 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of joints being treated.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local or moderate sedation to ensure your comfort.
- Positioning: You’ll lie on your stomach on a specially designed table to give the doctor easy access to your spine.
- Guided Injection: The doctor will carefully guide a thin needle near the path of the medial branch nerves until the target area is reached under fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-Ray)
- Injection: A small amount of local anesthetic is used to numb the medial branch nerves and provide fast-onset, but temporary, pain relief.
- Observation: After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period to assess your pain levels and any immediate effects.
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After the Procedure: Post-Care
- Monitoring: You’ll rest in a recovery area while your vital signs are monitored as the anesthesia wears off.
- Pain Relief: Most patients experience immediate or significant pain relief. Mild discomfort at the injection site is normal and should subside in a few days. You will be asked to track your pain levels for several hours and up to a day after the injection. If you experience significant relief, this suggests that the medial branch nerves are responsible for your pain. This information helps us determine if you may benefit from a longer-lasting treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activities for the week. Light walking and daily activities are encouraged to help promote recovery.
- Follow-Up: Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the diagnostic block and the next steps to relieving your chronic pain.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Don’t let chronic back and neck pain limit your life. Medial Branch Nerve Blocks offers an exceptional diagnostic value to locate the source of your pain to provide targeted therapeutic treatment options, such as radiofrequency ablations. Contact Vertex Pain Physicians today to schedule a consultation and take your first step towards pain relief!
Let us help you regain your strength, mobility, and peace of mind!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are medial branch nerve blocks safe?
MBNB is a widely recognized procedure with a strong safety record. Our team adheres to strict protocols to ensure your safety.
What are the risks of medial branch nerve blocks?
While rare, complications can include infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients recover within a few hours up to a day, as the procedure only involves injection therapy.
How soon can I expect results?
Given the diagnostic nature of the nerve block, many patients experience immediate pain relief and noticeable improvements in mobility within minutes after the procedure.
Is MBNB safe for the elderly?
Yes, MBNB is a safe and commonly used procedure for elderly patients, especially those with arthritis from aging, providing rapid pain relief and improved mobility.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
