A medial branch block is a targeted injection that helps identify the source of spine-related pain. By numbing the medial branch nerves near the facet joints, this procedure can both confirm the cause of pain and provide short-term relief.
This is an injection of numbing medicine. It bathes the medial branch nerves, which attach to the facet joints of your spine. These nerves hurt when facet joints are injured or diseased. The injection helps find the source of your pain. And it may relieve your pain for a brief time. This is an injection of numbing medicine that bathes the medial branch nerves. These nerves are attached to the facet joints of the spine. Disease or injury of these joints can cause pain in the medial branch nerves. This pain may travel through the neck, shoulders, upper back and head. A medial branch block can help your physician find the source of your pain. It may also provide temporary pain relief.
Numbing medicine is injected around medial branch nerves near the facet joints.
Relief after the injection helps confirm that the facet joints are the source of pain.
Provides short-term pain reduction, helping guide further treatment.
In-office injection usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Most patients go home after a short observation period.
Pain relief may last a few hours to a few days.
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A cervical medial branch block is an injection of numbing medicine placed near the medial branch nerves that connect to the facet joints in your neck. When these joints are injured or diseased, they may cause pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back, or head. The injection can both identify the pain source and provide short-term relief.
If you’re experiencing pain in your neck, shoulders, upper back, or head, your physician may recommend a cervical medial branch block. This procedure helps determine whether the facet joint nerves are the cause of your discomfort. It can also provide temporary relief, making it a valuable diagnostic and treatment option for patients with persistent pain.
This injection targets pain caused by facet joint nerves in the neck. When the joints are irritated or damaged, the nerves may produce discomfort that radiates into the shoulders, upper back, or head. By temporarily numbing these nerves, the cervical medial branch block can ease symptoms and help confirm whether these nerves are the true source.
Relief from a cervical medial branch block is temporary. The numbing effect may last for a limited time, providing short-term comfort while also helping your physician confirm the source of pain. Even though the relief is not permanent, it plays an important role in diagnosing facet joint nerve pain and planning your next steps in care.
Yes. One of the main purposes of a cervical medial branch block is diagnosis. If your pain improves after the injection, it strongly indicates that the facet joint nerves are responsible. This information helps your doctor better understand your condition and decide on the most appropriate path forward for managing your pain.
Yes. A cervical medial branch block is considered a safe and commonly performed outpatient procedure. It uses a small amount of numbing medicine to temporarily interrupt pain signals from the facet joint nerves. Because it is minimally invasive, risks are low, and most patients tolerate it well. Your doctor will guide you through the process.
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