Medial Branch Block Injections
In Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia
Medial branch nerves are small nerves in the spinal region of your back. These nerves are formed in branch like systems that communicate pain experienced in the facet joints of your spine. These nerves only communicate pain and control sensation in your back. The medial branch block procedure temporarily stops the nerves from communicating pain signals to the brain from the joints.
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Medial Branch Block Injections for Chronic Pain
When living with chronic pain, every day can feel like a struggle. But it doesn't have to be this way. At Pain and Spine Specialists, we offer medial block injections, a proven treatment for managing persistent discomfort. These injections can alleviate the debilitating pain that interferes with your quality of life and daily functionality. This procedure targets the nerves causing your pain, providing immediate relief and restoring your ability to move without discomfort.
If you're curious about this medial nerve block procedure, we invite you to delve deeper. Use the navigation buttons below to find out more about who would benefit from medial branch block injections, how to recover following the procedure, and answers to any questions you might have. We've compiled comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision about your pain management.
Finally, when you're ready to take the next step towards a life without chronic pain, our team of specialists is here to assist you. To schedule a new patient consultation, simply submit a contact form or give us a call. We're looking forward to helping you reclaim your life from chronic pain with medial block injections.
What Patients Are Saying
Great office, good people. Been there quite a few years. Never a problem. Leave them a message, they always respond. I've had six back surgeries 2knees and right shoulder. Gregg keeps my chronic debilitating pain managed well so I can still live my life best I can. Im so grateful.
Jenny Martins / google review
Dr. Rao. I can't find the words to tell you how much he has meant to me. I followed him from an old practice to his very new high tech office. They offer so many different areas of assistance to those with issues from nutrition to spinal surgery... and much more. His office is professional.
Mom To2 / vitals
Dr. Rao is such an amazing doctor! During my first visit, he never tried to rush through my appt.; he genuinely listened to all my concerns and then took his time to explain to me in detail all his recommendations and how they would help me.
Nikki / healthgrades
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Explore our comprehensive digital guide on medial branch block injections. This guide provides detailed information about the MBB injection, ideal candidates, the diagnosis process, and answers to many frequently asked questions about knee injections. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to make the best decisions for your health.
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What Is a Medical Branch Block?
Medial branch blocks are spinal injections that block the pain signals in your medial nerves. But what are medial branch blocks (MBBs)? What kind of back pain requires an MBB? Who is a good candidate for an MBB? Let’s first explore what medial branches are and how they affect your back pain.
Medial branch nerves are small nerves in the spinal region of your back. These nerves are formed in branch like systems that communicate pain experienced in the facet joints of your spine. These nerves only communicate pain and control sensation in your back. Medial branch nerve pain is typically experienced in your lower back, the neck, and over the bones of your mid back.
What Does a Medial Branch Block Do?
Typically, if a medial branch block is recommended to a patient, there are several indications that the facet joints are the source of the pain. Medial branch nerve block injections are used to diagnostically determine if the pain truly is caused by facet joint problems or other areas of the spine.
A physician will administer anesthetic medication, using X-ray guided fluoroscopy, near specific nerves. Sometimes the anesthetic is combined is also combined with steroid to reduce inflammation. The medication is delivered to specific nerves to test and determine the source of pain. When medial branch nerves are bathed in anesthetic the results will determine the best course of action to treat the pain experienced by a patient. The medial branch block procedure temporarily stops the nerves from communicating pain signals to the brain from the joints. If a patient experiences 50% or more relief from a medial branch block injection, then a more permanent approach will be offered, such as a radiofrequency ablation.
It is important to note that a medial branch block injections differ from facet block injections. The medial branch block procedure administers medication outside the joint, near the medial nerves and the branches.
The Benefits of a MBB
After receiving a medial branch block ablation, there are three standard outcomes experienced by patients. The first potential outcome is that the pain does not go away. This is an indicator that the back pain experienced is not a result of a problem within the facet joints. The second potential outcome is the pain relief is temporary, and returns within a few hours or days. This is an indicator that additional treatment is required to treat and mitigate your pain. And the third potential outcome is the pain is fully relieved for several days, weeks, or even months. Not only is relief provided but the physician can conclude the injection was placed appropriately and the specific nerves that cause pain.
The medial branch block procedure has two objectives. One objective is for the injection to operate as a diagnostic tool to determine if pain relief is possible due to the facet joints. The second objective to provide actual pain relief to the medial branch nerves.
Medial branch block injections can also help diagnose other pain conditions like sciatica. Sciatic pain can be a result of facet joint degeneration, so when the surrounding nerves are bathed, and relief is found, a MBB ablation can be used to identify painful sciatica.
Medial branch nerve blocks can provide months long pain relief for several patients as well as determining the source of your back pain. This diagnostic information is critical when establishing a treatment plan for managing your chronic back pain.
And luckily for patients, their recovery time from a MBB procedure is incredibly fast. Most patients recover from a medial branch block procedure within an hour. The immediate relief provided by the MBB also allows patients to participate in other pain-relieving approaches, such as physical therapy. A MBB provides patients with improved mobility, allowing the pain causing nerves to become naturally insulated while the patient participates in additional therapies.
Is It Right for You?
Numbing the medial branch nerves can determine whether the pain is originating from the nerves, and if further nerve blocks would benefit the patient. Nerve blocks can be utilized as a form of pain management in themselves. Patients must first be evaluated by their physician or a pain specialist to determine if injection therapy is the right way to go.
Your physician will the procedure and protocol for this minimally invasive injection. You will be informed of any potential risks and weigh them against the benefits you may receive. Together, with your physician, you will be able to devise an effective treatment plan to incorporate medial branch blocks to mitigate pain.
If you find yourself struggling with back pain or facet joint pain, you may greatly benefit from medial branch block nerve injections.
Frequently Asked Questions
A medial branch block is an injection of a local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, which carry pain signals from the facet joints in the spine. It is used to diagnose and sometimes treat lower back pain.
By temporarily numbing the nerves around the facet joints, a medial branch block can help determine if those joints are the source of pain. If pain relief is achieved, it confirms the facet joints as the problem area.
This procedure is primarily used to diagnose or treat facet joint syndrome, arthritis-related back pain, or chronic lower back pain not responding to other treatments.
The procedure involves minimal discomfort, often described as a quick pinch or sting. Most patients tolerate it well, and a local anesthetic is used to minimize pain.
If pain relief occurs, it typically lasts from a few hours to a few days. The primary purpose is diagnostic, but in some cases, longer relief can occur.
If the block provides significant pain relief, it confirms that the facet joints are the pain source. In that case, your provider may recommend a longer-lasting procedure like radiofrequency ablation.
A medial branch block injection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and patients can typically return home the same day.
Yes, they are considered safe with low risk of serious complications. Mild soreness or temporary discomfort at the injection site is the most common side effect.
You may be asked to avoid certain medications before the procedure and arrange for someone to drive you home. Your provider will give specific pre-procedure instructions.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, often cover medial branch blocks if medically necessary. Pain and Spine Specialists can help verify your coverage and pre-authorize the procedure.
About Us
We are a comprehensive pain management practice with board-certified doctors in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia that specialize in innovative treatments like Medial Branch Injections.
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Candidates For Treatment
Patients with the following disorders, injuries, diseases, or infections may be candidates for a MBB injections.
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Suffering from chronic pain? Let our specialists help with Medial Branch Block Injections. Contact us today for personalized treatment options.
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At Pain and Spine Specialists we provide comprehensive pain care while offering the most up-to-date minimally invasive techniques. Our ethos is to treat each patient (and potential patient) as if they were a family member.
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Meet Our Team
Medial Branch Block Injections Specialists in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia
Welcome to Pain and Spine Specialists. Our board-certified specialists are currently working with a wealth of experience spanning two decades in treating chronic pain with medial branch block injections. We are deeply committed to a comprehensive approach to pain management, which involves crafting personalized treatment plans that align with your unique needs. Trust in our expertise, feel the warmth of our care, and together, let's embark on this journey towards better health.
