Medial Branch Block

A short-acting numbing injection used to prove whether the facet joints are the source of your pain.

What it is

This is primarily a diagnostic test. Local anaesthetic is placed on the medial branch nerves supplying a specific facet joint. If your pain largely disappears for the duration of the anaesthetic, that joint is confirmed as the source, and radiofrequency ablation becomes an option.

What we use it for

• Suspected facet joint pain in the neck or low back
• Persistent post-whiplash neck pain
• Before considering radiofrequency ablation

What to expect

• Quick — usually under 15 minutes, under X-ray guidance.
• You will be asked to keep a pain diary for the next few hours. This is the actual result of the test, so it matters.
• The relief is deliberately short-lived. Its return is expected and is not a failure.
• Two positive blocks are normally required before ablation, because a single block has a real false-positive rate.

Risks

Every injection carries a small risk of bleeding, infection, an allergic reaction, or a temporary increase in pain. Steroid can raise blood sugar for several days, which matters if you are diabetic. Serious complications are rare, and we will go through the specific risks for your procedure and your health before you consent to anything.

To discuss whether this is appropriate for you, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment.