Medial Branch Block
Medial branch blocks target the small nerves supplying the facet joints, providing both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic relief for facet-mediated back and neck pain.
Who Is This For?
- Patients with suspected facet-mediated back or neck pain
- Workers with spinal pain from lifting, twisting, or repetitive motion injuries
- Patients being evaluated for radiofrequency ablation
- Individuals who responded partially to facet joint injections
About Medial Branch Block
Medial Branch Blocks (MBBs) at Advantage Brain & Trauma target the medial branch nerves — the tiny nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. By temporarily blocking these nerves with local anesthetic, our physicians can precisely determine whether the facet joints are the source of a patient's pain.
MBBs are a critical diagnostic step in the treatment of spinal pain. When a patient experiences significant pain relief from a medial branch block, it confirms that the facet joints are the pain generator and qualifies the patient for radiofrequency ablation — a procedure that provides months to years of relief.
These procedures are performed under fluoroscopic guidance for precision and safety, and are integrated with our comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation programs.
Meet Your Medial Branch Block Team
Our experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering the highest quality medial branch block care.
Who Is This For?
- Patients with suspected facet-mediated back or neck pain
- Workers with spinal pain from lifting, twisting, or repetitive motion injuries
- Patients being evaluated for radiofrequency ablation
- Individuals who responded partially to facet joint injections
How It Works
Clinical Assessment
Clinical Assessment
Evaluation of symptoms, imaging, and prior treatment response to identify candidates for medial branch blocks.
Fluoroscopic Guidance
Fluoroscopic Guidance
Real-time X-ray guides precise needle placement adjacent to the target medial branch nerves.
Nerve Block
Nerve Block
Local anesthetic is injected around the medial branch nerves, temporarily blocking pain signals from the facet joints.
Pain Diary
Pain Diary
You track your pain levels for several hours after the procedure to document the degree and duration of relief.
Treatment Decision
Treatment Decision
Based on your response, your physician determines if you are a candidate for radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
Why Choose Advantage Brain & Trauma
Diagnostic Precision
MBBs provide definitive confirmation of facet-mediated pain, eliminating guesswork in treatment planning.
Gateway to Lasting Relief
Positive MBB results qualify patients for radiofrequency ablation, which can provide 6-18 months of pain relief.
Low Risk
The procedure uses only local anesthetic with minimal side effects and no recovery time.
Insurance Requirement
Most insurance carriers require positive MBBs before authorizing radiofrequency ablation, making this a necessary and valuable diagnostic step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where This Service Is Available
Medial Branch Block is available at 7 of our locations
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Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to learn more about our Medial Branch Block program and how we can help you or your patient achieve the best possible outcome.