Lumbar Medial Branch Block in Plano, TX
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Low back pain can sometimes be the result of issues with the facet joints in the lumbar spine. A lumbar medial branch block injection can help diagnose these issues while providing temporary relief from pain. If you are suffering from low back pain, orthopedic spinal surgeon Stephen Courtney, MD from the Advanced Spine Center can help diagnose and treat a variety of spinal issues.
Whether you’re experiencing discomfort due to injury, arthritis, or degenerative conditions, our orthopedic team will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Take your first step towards a pain-free future. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Courtney by calling (972) 499-5457 today.
What Is a Lumbar Medial Branch Block?
A lumbar medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to diagnose and alleviate pain originating from the facet joints in the lower back. During a lumbar medial branch block, a local anesthetic is injected near the small nerves (medial branches) that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
Therapeutic Lumbar Medial Branch Block for Pain Relief
A therapeutic lumbar medial branch block is specifically aimed at relieving pain rather than diagnosing spinal issues. By injecting a mixture of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid medication, the procedure aims to alleviate discomfort around the facet joints in the lumbar spine.
Diagnostic Lumbar Medial Branch Block
In contrast, a diagnostic lumbar medial branch block is aimed to help physicians determine the root cause of their back pain. If the patient experiences temporary relief from pain after the injection, it suggests that the facet joints are the source of their discomfort. This helps healthcare providers pinpoint the specific cause of the pain and guide further treatment decisions.
Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine, which is situated in the lower back region, is made up of 5 vertebrae, which protect the spinal cord and allow for movement of the spine. In between these vertebrae are the facet joints, which are innervated by medial branch nerves.
Lumbar Facet Joints
The lumbar facet joints are small joints located at the back of the spine, linking adjacent vertebrae together. These joints play a crucial role in stabilizing the spine and facilitating movement. Each facet joint is lined with cartilage, which enables the vertebrae to move smoothly. However, these joints can cause pain as a result of injury, arthritis, or degenerative conditions, which can lead to symptoms like lower back pain and stiffness.
Lumbar Medial Branch Nerves
The lumbar medial branch nerves are small nerve branches that carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain, as well as information about movement, position, and pressure within the facet joints. A medial branch block can prevent pain signals from being sent to the brain from the facet joints, which can help diagnose and alleviate lower back pain stemming from facet joint syndrome or other types of facet joint dysfunction.
How Can Lumbar Medial Branch Block Injections Help You?
If you are suffering from chronic spinal pain in your lower back, a lumbar medial branch block can help determine the cause of your pain and potentially alleviate it for a short period of time. By injecting a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near these nerves, the procedure aims to alleviate your facet joint pain and reduce inflammation around the joints.
Additionally, if the injection helps with your pain, you may be recommended for other pain treatment procedures like radiofrequency ablation, which can offer you more long-lasting relief from your medial branch nerve pain. At Advanced Spine Center, we offer lumbar medial branch block injections, as well as thoracic medial branch block injections and cervical medial branch block injections.
Lumbar Medial Branch Block Procedure
A lumbar medial branch block involves an injection of an anesthetic in the lower back region. Before the procedure, you will likely be asked to lie on your stomach. The skin around the lower part of your spine will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Using a fluoroscopic x-ray, the doctor will position and insert a thin needle near the targeted lumbar medial branch nerves. Once the needle is positioned correctly, a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected around these nerves. If your pain is the result of a facet joint issue, you should feel significant pain relief immediately after the injection.
The entire procedure usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient treatment, meaning you should be able to resume your normal activities shortly after your procedure.
How Painful Is a Lumbar Medial Branch Block?
In general, lumbar medial branch blocks can be slightly uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful. Since the facet joint injection can cause some pain, most physicians will numb the area around the injection site with a local anesthetic using a smaller needle. This can prevent patients from being in pain during their procedure. Within a few hours, however, this local anesthetic may begin to wear off, and you may experience soreness around the injection site like you would with a steroid shot.
Lumbar Medial Branch Block Recovery Time
The recovery time following a lumbar medial branch block is typically minimal. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. In general, patients can expect to return to their daily routine without significant interruption.
Lumbar Medial Branch Block Side Effects
Since a medial branch block is such a minimally invasive procedure, there are few side effects. Still, patients may experience side effects such as:
- Numbness
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Pain or soreness at the injection site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reactions
- Nerve damage
How Long Does a Lumbar Medial Branch Block Last?
The pain relief offered by facet joint injections will typically last for 24 to 48 hours following the injection. If the injection included a steroid, the pain relief may last for 3 to 5 days following the injection. However, it’s important to note that different patients will experience pain relief for different amounts of time.
Additionally, those with chronic low back pain may want to consider more long-lasting solutions to their pain. If the medial branch block injection helped lessen your pain, Dr. Courtney may recommend you for additional blocks or even lumbar radiofrequency neurotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation), which can provide you with pain relief for 3 to 12 months.
How Much Does a Lumbar Medial Branch Block Cost?
The cost of a lumbar medial branch block can vary depending on factors like your location, healthcare provider, insurance coverage, and the medications used during the procedure. Without insurance, the procedure can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. However, many insurance plans cover the cost of lumbar medial branch blocks, particularly when deemed medically necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain.
Dr. Courtney can help you understand the cost of your procedure based on your insurance coverage and any additional expenses that may be associated with your specific procedure.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks in Plano, TX
If you’re living with chronic back pain that hasn’t responded to pain medicine or other conservative treatments, our orthopedic specialists are here to help. At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we aim to provide you with personalized and comprehensive care, helping you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Whether you’re seeking a diagnostic lumbar medial branch block to identify the source of your pain or a therapeutic injection for lasting relief, our skilled physicians will tailor a treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
Don’t let lower back pain limit your daily activities any longer. Contact us today at (972) 499-5457 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment and learn more about how medial branch blocks can help relieve you of your lumbar pain.
