Medial Branch Block Injection in Plano, TX
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At the Advanced Spine Center, we provide groundbreaking orthopedic spine care in Plano, TX. At our state-of-the-art clinic, we specialize in a range of advanced treatments to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. Among our comprehensive services, a medial branch block stands out as a highly effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool for individuals suffering from spinal discomfort.
Designed to target and alleviate pain originating from the facet joints of the spine, medial branch block injections offer precise relief and invaluable insights into the source of your discomfort. Discover how our expert team utilizes this innovative procedure to provide personalized, patient-centered care tailored to your unique needs and goals. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 972-499-5457 today.
What Is a Medial Branch Block?
A medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and manage pain originating from the facet joints of the spine. Facet joints, located on the posterior aspect of the spine, can become a source of discomfort due to conditions such as arthritis, injury, or degeneration.
During a medial branch block, a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication are injected near the medial branch nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. By temporarily blocking these nerves, the procedure can help physicians pinpoint the exact source of pain and provide relief for patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain.
Medial branch blocks are often used as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the facet joints are indeed the cause of pain before considering more invasive treatment options such as radiofrequency ablation or surgery.
Medial Branch Block vs Facet Injection
Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections are both procedures used to alleviate pain originating from the facet joints of the spine, but they target different structures and serve different purposes.
A medial branch block specifically targets the medial branch nerves, which are small nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. During a medial branch block, a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication are injected near a medial branch nerve to block its function temporarily.
This procedure is primarily used as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain. If a patient experiences significant pain relief after a medial branch block, it suggests that the facet joints are the cause of their pain.
A facet joint injection targets the facet joints themselves. During this procedure, a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid medication is injected directly into the facet joint space to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Facet joint injections can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief. Similar to medial branch blocks, if a patient experiences significant pain relief after a facet joint injection, it suggests that the facet joints are contributing to their symptoms.
Is a Medial Branch Block the Same as an Epidural?
No, a medial branch block and an epidural injection are not the same procedure. However, they both aim to provide spinal pain relief. They differ in the following ways.
Targeted Area
A medial branch block targets the medial branch nerves, while an epidural injection targets the epidural space. The epidural space is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Purpose
Medial branch blocks are primarily used as diagnostic tools to determine if the facet joints are the source of the patient’s pain. They also provide localized pain relief for several hours. Epidural injections are typically used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain caused by certain spinal conditions. They provide more lasting pain relief, ranging from weeks to months of relief.
Indications
Medial branch blocks are often recommended for patients with suspected facet pain, often after other diagnostic tests like MRIs or CT scans. Epidural injections are often recommended for patients with conditions causing severe nerve compression or inflammation in the spine.
Diagnostic Medial Branch Block
As we mentioned previously, the main purpose of a medial branch block is to diagnose facet joint pain as the source of a patient’s discomfort. They target the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
Once injected, the medication temporarily blocks the transmission of these pain signals. The patient experiences temporary pain relief in the area that those nerves serve. This confirms that the facet joints whose nerves were targeted with the injection were the source of the patient’s pain.
Types of Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch nerve blocks can be performed at different levels of the spine to target specific areas of pain. The types of medial branch blocks include cervical medial branch blocks, thoracic medial branch blocks, and lumbar medial branch blocks.
Cervical Medial Branch Block
A cervical medial branch nerve block targets the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints in the cervical spine (neck region). These blocks are typically used to diagnose and manage pain originating from the facet joints in the neck. Conditions such as cervical spondylosis, cervical facet joint syndrome, or cervical arthritis may benefit from cervical medial branch blocks.
Thoracic Medial Branch Block
Thoracic medial branch block injections target the medial branch nerves that supply sensation to the facet joints in the thoracic spine (upper and mid-back region). These blocks are less commonly performed compared to cervical or lumbar medial branch blocks, as facet joint-related pain in the thoracic spine is relatively rare. Thoracic medial branch blocks may be considered for patients with conditions such as thoracic facet joint syndrome or thoracic arthritis.
Lumbar Medial Branch Block
Lumbar medial branch blocks target the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints in the lumbar spine (lower back region). They are frequently performed to diagnose and manage localized pain originating from the lumbar facet joints, which are a common source of lower back pain. Lumbar medial branch blocks are often recommended for conditions such as lumbar facet joint syndrome, lumbar spondylosis, or lumbar arthritis.
Medial Branch Block Side Effects
Medial branch block injections are very safe procedures, but as with any procedure, they do carry certain risks. Complications are rare, but they can include the following.
- Injection site reaction
- Allergic reaction
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Temporary increase in pain
- Changes in blood sugar levels
- Facial flushing or mood changes
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
What Is the Medial Branch Block Procedure?
The medial branch block is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is largely used for diagnostic purposes. The procedure typically involves the following steps.
Preparation and Local Anesthesia
The patient will lie comfortably on the examination table, usually on their stomach. To minimize discomfort, the skin and deeper tissues overlying the injection site may be numbed using a local anesthetic.
Fluoroscopic Guidance and Needle Placement
We use fluoroscopy to guide the placement of the needle with precision. Once the injection site is numb and the fluoroscope is in position, the healthcare provider will carefully insert a thin needle through the skin and soft tissues and toward the targeted medial branch nerve or nerves.
Medication Injection and Confirmation of Placement
Once the needle is in the correct position, a combination of medications is injected near the medial branch nerve. This typically includes a local anesthetic and sometimes a corticosteroid. After the medication is injected, we confirm proper needle placement by observing the spread of contrast dye.
Post-Procedure Monitoring
Following the injection, the patient will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions.
How Painful Is a Medial Branch Block?
A medial branch block may cause minimal discomfort during the injection process, such as a stinging or burning sensation. This is typically well-tolerated by most patients due to the administration of local anesthesia to numb the area beforehand.
What Is the Next Step After a Medial Branch Block?
Because medial branch blocks only provide short-term pain relief, the next step often involves further tests or treatments, depending on the results of the block. If the block provides significant pain relief, we may recommend further treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, to provide longer pain relief.
Medial Branch Block Recovery Time
The recovery time after a medial branch block is typically minimal. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few hours after the procedure. However, some may experience temporary soreness or mild discomfort at the injection site for a day or two.
How Long Does a Medial Branch Block Last?
The duration of pain relief varies from patient to patient. Generally, the effects of the local anesthetic used in the procedure last for several hours, possibly up to 24 hours. Other treatments can more effectively provide lasting pain relief.
What If a Medial Branch Block Doesn’t Work?
If a medial branch block doesn’t provide significant pain relief, it suggests that the facet joints may not be the source of the patient’s pain. In such cases, further evaluation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the discomfort.
Why Is the Pain Worse After Medial Branch Block?
Experiencing an increase in pain after a medial branch block is uncommon but can occasionally occur. Patients may experience worse pain due to an incorrect diagnosis, discomfort at the injection site, steroid flares, or improper injection technique. Rarely, complications such as a nerve injury can cause an increase in pain.
Why Do I Have Leg Weakness After Medial Branch Block?
It is uncommon for patients to experience leg weakness after medial branch blocks, but it is possible. Injections in the lumbar region may affect nearby nerves, leading to temporary irritation or compression. Certain movements or positions following the procedure may also exacerbate symptoms and lead to leg weakness.
Why Do I Have a Headache After Medial Branch Block?
Headaches after medial branch blocks are uncommon, but still a potential side effect. They can occur from reactions to the medication, dehydration, stress or anxiety, and other unrelated factors.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Medial Branch Blocks in Plano, TX
At the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we are committed to providing comprehensive and advanced solutions for spinal pain management. Our expert team specializes in a range of innovative procedures, including medial branch blocks, aimed at diagnosing and treating facet joint-related pain with precision and effectiveness.
With modern technology and personalized care, we strive to empower our patients to regain their quality of life and live pain-free. If you’re seeking relief from back or neck pain, schedule a consultation with our experienced specialists today and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free future.
