Branch Nerve Blocks

Once the origin of back pain is accurately diagnosed, an appropriate treatment program can begin. Medial branch nerve blocks are used to diagnose the source of back pain, as well as provide temporary relief from back pain caused by facet joint diseases such as arthritis or injury. A medial branch nerve block temporarily interrupts the pain signal carried by the medial branch nerves from specific facet joints.

During the procedure, local anesthetic is administered to a particular medial branch nerve to determine if thefacet joint it connects to is the source of the patient's back pain. Medial branch nerve blocks are very simple and safe outpatient procedures. They are done under x-ray guidance and with light sedation.

First, a needle is inserted next to the small nerve branches that go to the joint. A fluoroscope, a special X-ray TV, allows the spine surgeon and the needle and ensures proper placement. Once the needle is inserted, a combination of anesthetic and cortisone is injected. Patients are generally released after 1-2 hours and usually can return to their normal work and activities the next day.

Medial branch nerve blocks provide only temporary relief. However, if the patient has the appropriate duration of pain relief following the procedure, it can help the physician determine which procedures are appropriate for longer-term pain relief.