Medial Branch Block

A medial branch block is a targeted injection that serves both as a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic option for patients experiencing chronic spine-related pain. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors use this procedure to help pinpoint and manage pain coming from the facet joints in the spine. Whether you’re in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, or Mesa, this non-surgical treatment is an effective way to determine if your facet joints are the source of your discomfort. If the block successfully relieves pain, it can lead to longer-lasting treatments like radiofrequency ablation.

What Is a Medial Branch Block?

Medial branch nerves run along the spine and carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. These joints connect each vertebra and enable the spine to bend and twist. When these joints become inflamed due to injury, arthritis, or degeneration, they can cause persistent neck or back pain. A medial branch block involves injecting a small amount of numbing medication near these nerves to temporarily interrupt the pain signal.

This procedure is not only a method of pain relief—it is also a way for your pain specialist to confirm whether your facet joints are indeed the source of your pain. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, this dual-purpose treatment is a key part of our comprehensive pain management approach.

What to Expect During the Procedure

When you arrive at one of our Arizona pain clinics, the procedure begins with positioning you on an X-ray table. A pain doctor will clean and sterilize the injection area thoroughly. If needed, an IV may be placed to administer light sedation for your comfort, particularly for cervical or thoracic spine injections.

The physician will then numb a small area of your skin with a local anesthetic, which may sting briefly. Using fluoroscopy (a special type of X-ray), the pain specialist will carefully guide a very thin needle to the correct location along the medial branch nerves. A small amount of contrast dye may be injected first to confirm accurate needle placement before the anesthetic medication is delivered.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure, which typically takes under an hour from start to finish.

Conditions Treated With a Medial Branch Block

A medial branch block is particularly effective for the diagnosis and treatment of several chronic pain conditions, including:

• Neck pain (cervical spine): If you’re suffering from chronic neck stiffness or pain, a medial branch block can help identify whether inflamed facet joints are the cause.

• Lower back pain (lumbar spine): One of the most common reasons patients visit a pain doctor is chronic low back pain. This injection helps determine if the pain is originating from the facet joints.

• Facial pain: In certain cases, such as trigeminal neuralgia or other headache-related conditions, medial branch blocks can relieve pain in the facial area.

Your pain clinic provider will use your response to the injection to develop a long-term care plan, which may include physical therapy or more permanent treatments.

Recovery After a Medial Branch Block

Recovery after a medial branch block is typically quick and straightforward. You’ll need someone to drive you home, as you may experience mild numbness or motor weakness immediately after the injection. Once the anesthetic wears off, usually within a few hours, your pain specialist will ask you to track your pain levels during normal activity.

Keeping a detailed pain diary during the first 8–10 hours after the procedure helps your pain clinic team determine how effective the injection was. Some patients feel immediate relief, while others may experience a temporary increase in pain before noticing improvement.

Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, although it’s best to consult with your pain doctor for specific recovery guidelines based on your condition and health history.

Benefits of a Medial Branch Block

The medial branch block offers several benefits for patients seeking effective, minimally invasive pain relief:

• Quick pain relief: Many patients report significant pain relief shortly after the injection.

• Diagnostic clarity: It helps your pain specialist determine the exact source of your discomfort.

• Minimally invasive: The procedure is outpatient and typically does not require any recovery downtime.

• Steroid-free option: Patients who are unable or unwilling to use steroids can still benefit from this treatment.

• Pathway to longer-term relief: A successful medial branch block can indicate that treatments like radiofrequency ablation may be effective for more permanent results.

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our team of experienced pain doctors customizes each treatment plan based on how well you respond to the block.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with medial branch blocks, although they are generally minimal. Common side effects include temporary soreness or mild bleeding at the injection site. More serious, though rare, risks include:

• Infection

• Allergic reaction to the medication

• Temporary headaches

Our pain clinic staff takes all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

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Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

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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