Medial Branch Block (Cervical)

Medial Branch Block (Cervical)

Our Goal for You:

  1. Identify the cause of your pain.
  2. Minimize your down time with non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures if possible.
  3. Get back to living the life you want.

Overview

This is an injection of numbing medicine that bathes the medial branch nerves. These nerves are attached to the facet joints of the spine. Disease or injury of these joints can cause pain in the medial branch nerves. This pain may travel through the neck, shoulders, upper back and head. A medial branch block can help your physician find the source of your pain. It may also provide temporary pain relief.

Preparation

In preparation for the procedure, the physician injects local anesthetic. This numbs the skin and tissue around the level or levels that will be injected.

Inserting the Needle

Next, the physician pushes a thin needle through the numbed tissue. The physician uses an x-ray device called a fluoroscope to see the needle in your body. The needle is carefully guided toward the medial branch nerves. Contrast dye is injected through the needle to confirm that it is positioned correctly.

Injection

When the needle is in place, the physician injects numbing medicine onto the nerves. This medicine temporarily numbs sensation. If this area is the source of your pain, you will experience immediate pain relief. More than one level of the spine may need to be injected.

End of Procedure

When the procedure is complete, you will be monitored for a brief time and then allowed to go home. A medial branch block may relieve your pain for the next few hours. You may be asked to keep track of your pain level as the medicine wears off. If the block was successful, your physician may recommend a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. This can provide more permanent pain relief.

medial-branch-block-cervical

Why Choose Advanced Spine Centers

Board Certified & Fellowship Trained.

Voted 2019’s Best Spine Surgeon.

Internationally Recognized Trainer to Spine Surgeons.

Pioneer in Non-Surgical & Micro-Surgical Procedures.

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PATIENT EDUCATION

Common Patient Questions

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Robert Alicea
Robert Alicea
The doctor and his staff were very welcoming and kind ..explained my issues in detail . Will highly recommend
German Cisneros
German Cisneros
Every visit to Dr. Courtney's office is educational and most beneficial. Dr. Courtney and ALL of his staff are the best!
Jamey Derryberry
Jamey Derryberry
My wife and I both go to Dr Courtney for back issues. Great care. Great staff. Great surgical facility and smooth process. LOVE THEM!!!
Mark Cotter
Mark Cotter
Dr Courtney and his staff truly care about my well being. They are the only ones I have found that have been able to help me with my workman's comp claim
J “JAFO”
J “JAFO”
Does your back hurt? Has your back been hurting, yet no other surgeon can or won't help you; or worse tells you nothing is wrong? You're in the wrong place! I had 4 back operations with no improvement. I had an additional 6 other consultations with "there's nothing wrong with you". The truth was I was probably 2-3 months away from permanent leg and lower back paralysis. He fixed me. I can stand, I can walk. I threw away my crutches of 13 years. If you need back correction - GO SEE THIS DOCTOR! He will fix you, and fix you correctly, if it is humanly possible. Enough said! Go see him. He tells the truth and tells it like it is. 🙂
Terri Stewman
Terri Stewman
Dr courtney and his staff are great! Dr courtney always takes his time with you and I feel he truly cares about his patients.
Ross Wigington
Ross Wigington
Great Dr and helped me multiple times over the years Would recommend to anyone that needs help
Bridgette e Mentesana
Bridgette e Mentesana
Dr. Courtney is knowledgeable and takes the time to really explain what’s going on and explain why you’re in pain and the several options to correct the issue. I never felt rushed and he was on time to our appointment which is such a rare thing. The rest of the office staff was absolutely top notch. They were really down to earth and so nice, you could tell they liked their jobs and were treated well. It was a very welcoming atmosphere. I felt very comfortable and I knew I was in capable hands just by the way he treated his staff and listened to his patients. Highly recommend.
Marie Benton
Marie Benton
Dr Courtney did my neck surgery and my 360 back surgery. I would not go to another surgeon, he cares about his patients and it shows! His staff is great as well! I trust his opinion and skills 100%