Facet Medial Branch Blocks
These injections target the medial branch nerves near the facet joints in the spine, which are often a source of discomfort due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions.
Facet medial branch blocks, or simply medial branch blocks, are a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for individuals seeking relief from chronic spine-related pain. These injections target the medial branch nerves near the facet joints in the spine, which are often a source of discomfort due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions. Facet medial branch blocks serve a dual purpose: they can help identify whether these nerves are indeed the cause of your pain through a diagnostic phase, and if so, they can also provide temporary pain relief during the therapeutic phase. The procedure is minimally invasive and involves the precise placement of anesthetic medication around these nerves, potentially reducing pain and improving your overall quality of life.
Facet medial branch blocks are administered as an outpatient procedure. Here’s a brief overview of how the procedure is carried out:
After positioning you comfortably, the skin over the targeted area is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is then applied to numb the skin and tissues, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted near the facet joints of your spine, which is where the medial branch nerves are located. Once the needle is correctly positioned, a numbing medication (local anesthetic) is injected around these nerves.
This medication temporarily blocks the pain signals, providing diagnostic information during the initial phase and, potentially, pain relief during the therapeutic phase.
After the procedure, you may experience some temporary relief, thanks to the numbing medication. However, it’s essential to keep track of any changes in your pain levels or symptoms as this can provide valuable diagnostic information.
You can typically resume your usual activities soon after the procedure. Applying ice to the injection site can help alleviate any mild discomfort or swelling.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess your response to the facet medial branch blocks and determine the next steps in your pain management plan.
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