Injections: Medial Branch Blocks
WHAT IS A MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCK?
A medial branch block is an injection of a strong local anesthetic on the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. The facet joints, also known as the zygapophysial joints, are part of the bony framework of the spine. They are small bony projections from one vertebra meeting with similar bony projections from the vertebra above or below. Sometimes, due to a variety of acute and chronic conditions, the facet joints can become inflamed. For lower back (lumbar) facet joints, the pattern of pain is usually an achiness in the low back, radiating across the lower back and slightly down the back of the buttocks and upper thighs. Usually, standing or bending backward worsens the pain. For neck (cervical) facet joints, the pattern of pain is an achiness in the neck, slight radiation across the neck and shoulders, and worsening symptoms with turning the head from side to side or looking up.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO DO?
The actual injection takes only a few minutes. Please allow about an hour for the procedure; this will include talking to your doctor before the procedure, signing the informed consent, positioning in the room, and observation by the recovery room nurse afterwards.
WHAT MEDICINES ARE INJECTED?
The injection consists of a small amount of long acting local anesthetic.
WILL IT HURT?
All of our procedures begin by injecting a small amount of local anesthetic through a very small needle. It feels like a little pinch and then a slight burning as the local anesthetic starts numbing the skin. After the skin is numb, the procedure needle feels like a bit of pressure at the injection site. You can also choose to have IV sedation, which can keep you very comfortable. It can range from some drowsiness or you may have little or no memory
of the procedure depending upon your comfort level, regardless of the amount of sedation, you must not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to this and you must also have a driver when choosing sedation. It is OK to take your medications with a sip of water with either decision.
WILL I BE ASLEEP FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
This choice is yours. You can choose to have the procedure done under local anesthetic only. You can also choose to have IV sedation, which can keep you very comfortable. It can range from some drowsiness or you may have little or no memory of the procedure depending upon your comfort level, regardless of the amount of sedation, you must not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to this and you must also have a driver when choosing sedation. It is OK to take your medications with a sip of water with either decision.
HOW IS IT DONE?
It is typically done with you lying on your stomach for back injections and on your side for neck injections. Your blood pressure and oxygenation will be monitored. In addition to your doctor and the x-ray technician, there will be a nurse in the room at all time. The skin on the back is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the procedure is done. Very small needles are placed along the bony landmarks that mark the location of the medial branch nerves. A small volume, usually about 0.3 mL, is injected along each nerve.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE INJECTION?
Shortly after the injection, you may notice that your pain may be gone or considerably less. This is due to the effect of the local anesthetic and lasts only for a few hours to a few days.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
We advise the patients to take it easy for a day or so after the procedure. Perform the activities as tolerated by you. This is a diagnostic test and it is important to maintain reasonably normal activities so the blockÍ› s efficacy can be evaluated. Can I go back to work the same day or the next day? You should be able to unless the procedure was complicated. Your doctor or recovery room nurse will discuss this with you.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
This is a diagnostic test and the injection seldom lasts more than a few hours or a couple of days, at the most. This is normal. This injection is performed as a predictor of the efficacy of radiofrequency lesioning of these medial branch nerves.
HOW MANY INJECTIONS DO I NEED TO HAVE?
Usually just one in any region (lumbar, cervical, thoracic, etc.) Multiple levels are blocked simultaneously. If relief is experienced, the next step may be Radiofrequency Lesioning of the medial branch nerve.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT WILL HELP?
It is very difficult to predict how helpful injections will be. Generally, patients who have the symptoms described above will do well. Obviously, since there are several pain generators in the spine, the degree of response will vary widely. If you do not obtain reasonable relief from this diagnostic injection, it is unlikely you will obtain relief from radiofrequency lesioning. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS?
Overall, this procedure has very few risks. However, as with any procedure, there are some risks and side effects you should know about. Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary), rarely infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or no relief from your usual pain.
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Comprehensive Treatment
We provide a complete, patient-centered approach to care. From your first appointment through evaluation and treatment, our team focuses on understanding your needs and guiding you step-by-step toward better health.
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Book an Appointment
Your first visit with us is a consultation. We do not prescribe medications or do injections on the first visit.
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Conduct Checkup
We will establish care with you, review your history, and look at any radiology exams you have had in order to decide the best course of action for you.
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Evaluate
Dr. Lipman and his team of professionals take the time to look at the whole patient in considering treatment options.
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Perform Treatment
From a variety of procedures to psychological counseling to specialized physical therapy, he addresses all aspects of their well-being.
