Medial Branch Blocks in Louisiana
A medial branch block is an injection of numbing medicine around the medial branch nerves, which carry pain signals from the facet joints of your spine. At LA Pain Doctor, we use medial branch blocks to find the source of neck and back pain and provide short-term relief for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding the Medial Branch Nerves
The facet joints are small joints on the back of the spine that guide how your neck and back bend and twist. Each facet joint is served by tiny nerves called medial branch nerves. When the joints are injured, arthritic, or inflamed from conditions like Facet Joint Syndrome, these nerves send pain signals to the brain. Facet-related pain is one of the most common causes of chronic neck and lower back pain.
Why a Medial Branch Block Is Performed
A medial branch block is primarily a diagnostic test. By temporarily numbing the nerves that serve specific facet joints, your provider can see whether your pain improves. If you experience significant relief for several hours after the injection, it strongly suggests the facet joints are the source of your pain.
That information guides the next step. Patients with a positive response are often excellent candidates for radiofrequency ablation, such as cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy, which can provide relief lasting many months.
What to Expect
- You lie face down while the skin over the treatment area is numbed.
- Using X-ray guidance, your provider places a thin needle next to each targeted medial branch nerve.
- A small amount of local anesthetic is injected around the nerves.
- You will track your pain levels for several hours afterward to measure your response.
The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and most patients return home the same day.
Related Treatments
Medial branch blocks are one tool in our approach to neck pain treatment and lower back pain treatment. Your provider may also recommend facet joint injections, cervical epidural steroid injections, or lumbar epidural steroid injections depending on your symptoms. Patients with neck pain and headaches after car accidents often benefit, especially those with Whiplash or post-whiplash headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medial Branch Block
What is the purpose of a medial branch block?
It helps determine whether your facet joints are causing your pain by temporarily numbing the nerves that serve them. It may also provide brief relief.
How long does a medial branch block last?
The numbing medicine typically lasts several hours. Some patients experience longer relief, but the main goal is diagnosis.
What happens if the block relieves my pain?
A strong response usually means you are a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation, which can provide longer-lasting relief.
Is a medial branch block painful?
The skin is numbed first, so most patients feel only pressure or brief discomfort.
Can medial branch blocks treat both neck and back pain?
Yes. They can be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine depending on where your pain is located.
Why might I need two blocks?
Some insurance plans and treatment guidelines require two positive blocks before radiofrequency ablation to confirm the diagnosis.
Where can I get a medial branch block?
LA Pain Doctor performs medial branch blocks at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Pinpoint the Source of Your Pain
A medial branch block could be the first step toward lasting relief. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.