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If you have ongoing or extreme low back, hip, or leg pain due to irritated, inflamed joints in your spine, see the experts at Alliance Spine & Pain. The exceptional providers offer medial branch blocks to determine the most appropriate pain-relieving treatment. Call one of the offices in Austell, Augusta, Woodstock, Atlanta, Marietta, Conyers, Lawrenceville, Jasper, Cartersville, Dallas, Suwanee, Covington, Carrollton, Canton, Sandy Springs, Douglasville, Peachtree City, or Roswell, Georgia, or use the online booking feature today.
Medial Branch Blocks Q & A
What is a medial branch block?
A medial branch block is a pain-reducing injection of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic placed near medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from facet joints within your spine.
While the procedure temporarily reduces pain, it’s diagnostic. That means it helps your provider determine if a specific facet joint is responsible for your pain and if you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation or other long-lasting nerve pain treatments.
Is a medial branch block right for me?
To learn if a medial branch block is right for you, an Alliance Spine & Pain specialist discusses your medical history and symptoms. Facet joint damage can cause pain when twisting your torso or bending backward. You might have radiating discomfort from your spine into your buttocks, hip, and thigh, or pain that travels from your spine to your shoulder, neck, and head.
A physical exam and imaging procedures allow your pain specialist to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
How should I prepare for a medial branch block?
Follow your pain specialist’s instructions before undergoing medial branch block injections. They might ask you to stop taking certain medications and make arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
What should I expect during a medial branch block?
During a medial branch block procedure, your provider cleans and numbs the treatment area. They give you medication to help you relax, but you remain awake. You lie on your stomach during the procedure. Using X-ray guidance, they inject a contrast solution (dye) and local anesthetic near targeted nerves to block pain signals to your brain.
After the injection, you rest in a recovery area for about 30-45 minutes. Your specialist may perform the procedure twice, several days apart.
What happens after receiving a medial branch block?
Take it easy after a medical branch block injection and follow your post-care instructions. Avoid strenuous activity until given the okay by your provider. If the injection provides effective pain relief, your specialist reviews long-term pain-reducing options with you.
If not, you might need a repeat diagnostic procedure to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort and the most appropriate treatment.
Call the Alliance Spine & Pain office nearest you or use the online booking feature to determine if a medial branch block is right for you.