Medial Branch Block

Chronic back or neck pain caused by spinal arthritis can limit your movement, disrupt sleep, and interfere with daily life. A medial branch block is often the first step toward long-lasting pain relief, helping pinpoint the exact source of your pain and guide the most effective treatment.

At Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care, our experienced pain specialists perform medial branch blocks at our offices in Hobart, LaPorte, Merrillville, Munster, and Valparaiso, Indiana, using advanced imaging technology to ensure accuracy and patient comfort.

If ongoing back or neck pain is affecting your quality of life, call 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today.

What is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block is a minimally invasive injection that targets the medial branch nerves, which carry pain signals from the facet joints of the spine to the brain. Each vertebra is served by a pair of medial branch nerves.

The diagnostic injection contains a local anesthetic and is placed near a specific medial branch nerve. If pain relief occurs after the injection, it confirms that the targeted facet joint is the source of your symptoms.

Depending on where your pain is located, your provider may perform a:

• Cervical medial branch block (neck)
• Thoracic medial branch block (upper or mid-back)
• Lumbar medial branch block (lower back)

Why Might I Need a Medial Branch Block?

Facet joints connect the bones of your spine and allow for movement and flexibility. Over time, normal wear and tear can break down the cartilage that cushions these joints, leading to facet joint arthritis and chronic pain.

You may benefit from a medial branch block if you experience:

• Persistent back or neck pain
• Stiffness and reduced spinal mobility
• Pain that worsens with twisting, bending, or prolonged sitting
• Pain that spreads to the buttocks or back of the head
• Numbness, tingling, or radiating pain in the arms or legs

What Happens During a Medial Branch Block?

Medial branch blocks are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting and typically take only a short time. During the procedure:

• Your provider uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to visualize your spine
• A thin needle is guided precisely to the targeted medial branch nerve
• A local anesthetic is injected near the nerve

If the medial branch nerve is responsible for your pain, relief usually occurs within minutes. The effects are temporary, often lasting several hours, but the results provide valuable diagnostic information.

What Treatments May Follow a Medial Branch Block?

If a medial branch block confirms the source of your pain, your provider may recommend additional treatments to deliver longer-lasting relief, including:

Therapeutic Medial Branch Block

A repeat injection that includes a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and calm irritated nerves.

Facet Joint Injection

An injection placed directly inside the facet joint to relieve inflammation within the joint itself.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

A procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt the medial branch nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. Pain relief from RFA can last nine months or longer.

Schedule a Medial Branch Block Consultation

If spinal arthritis is causing chronic back or neck pain, a medial branch block can help identify the source of your pain and open the door to long-term relief.

Find out more about medial branch blocks and how they could ease your pain by calling the Centers for Pain Control and Vein Care at 219-476-7246 or request an appointment online today.