Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

Chronic neck pain can be disruptive to your life, especially when it radiates into the shoulders or upper back. Cervical medial branch blocks are a minimally invasive procedure that can both diagnose and treat certain types of neck pain, helping patients return to their routines with less discomfort. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced team uses this treatment to offer relief and improve quality of life for patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa.

Understanding Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

Cervical medial branch blocks target the medial branch nerves, which carry pain signals from the facet joints in the neck to the brain. These joints help stabilize the spine and allow for smooth movement, but they can become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or repeated stress. When irritated, the medial branch nerves can cause chronic, localized pain in the neck and surrounding areas.

By injecting a small amount of anesthetic near these nerves, your pain doctor can interrupt the transmission of pain signals. If the injection relieves your symptoms, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of your discomfort. This makes the procedure both therapeutic and diagnostic.

Conditions Treated

Patients who suffer from persistent neck pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or medication may be candidates for cervical medial branch blocks. This procedure is often recommended when imaging reveals signs of facet joint irritation. Conditions that may benefit from medial branch blocks include:

• Cervical osteoarthritis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Spondylosis

• Whiplash or trauma-related neck injuries

• Chronic neck stiffness or soreness

Because neck pain can sometimes radiate into the shoulders or cause headaches, a cervical medial branch block may also help relieve discomfort in these areas. Patients in Scottsdale who experience pain due to arthritis or repetitive movement often find this treatment beneficial.

How the Procedure Works

Cervical medial branch blocks are performed as outpatient procedures and typically take less than 30 minutes. The process begins with you lying face down while the injection site is cleaned and numbed. Your pain specialist uses fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to ensure the needle is placed precisely along the target medial branch nerves.

Once the correct location is confirmed, a small amount of anesthetic is injected. Relief may be felt within minutes or over the course of several hours. A successful block—defined by a significant reduction in pain, usually 80% or more—helps confirm the source of the pain and may guide further treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation.

Patients at our Phoenix clinic often report immediate improvements after their first session, while others may need follow-up treatments to determine next steps.

What to Expect During Recovery

After the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people return to light activities the following day, though it’s recommended to rest for the remainder of the treatment day. Some soreness at the injection site is normal and can be treated with ice or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.

Avoid using any prescription pain medication unless directed by your doctor, as it may interfere with assessing the effectiveness of the block. Patients in Gilbert who follow a careful recovery plan often achieve better outcomes and a faster return to normal activities.

Benefits of Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

For those struggling with long-term neck pain, cervical medial branch blocks offer several advantages:

• Minimally invasive and outpatient

• Used for both diagnosis and treatment

• Avoids the need for surgery

• May allow for other rehabilitative treatments like physical therapy

• Relief can last weeks to months, and the procedure can be repeated

• Low risk of side effects or complications

A study on medial branch blocks showed that more than 80% of participants experienced significant pain reduction and an improvement in function. For patients in Mesa, this makes cervical medial branch blocks a valuable alternative to more aggressive options like spinal surgery.

Understanding the Risks

Like any medical procedure, cervical medial branch blocks come with some risks, though they are rare. These include:

• Temporary injection site pain or soreness

• Mild allergic reaction to the anesthetic

• Bleeding or bruising

• Minor infections (in fewer than 2% of cases)

• In extremely rare cases, nerve damage or spinal cord injury

Working with a board-certified pain clinic with extensive experience in image-guided procedures—like The Pain Experts of Arizona—significantly reduces the risk of complications. Be sure to share your full medical history and medications with your provider, especially if you’re on blood thinners or have a history of infections.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

If you’ve been living with neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, it may be time to speak with a pain specialist about cervical medial branch blocks. Whether you’re located in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Mesa, our clinics are equipped to deliver personalized, state-of-the-art care.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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