Medial Branch Block
Relieve Pain and Achieve your Optimal Quality of Life
Medial branch nerves are very small nerve branches that carry pain messages from facet joints to the brain where they are experienced. The facet joints are small joints in the back of the spine that form connections between each vertebra.
If these nerves are blocked or numbed, they will not be able to transfer the painful sensation from the joints to the brain. Therefore, this procedure is completed to see if your back pain is caused by the facet joints.
Treatment cost
Price From* After consultation the doctor will confirm the cost.
Treatment Summary at a glance
15 mins
One – Three
Local
Minor pain at injection site
Pain free joints
Between a few months and a lifetime
Within two days
Within two weeks
How does it work?
The patient lies on the stomach. The skin of the back is cleansed with antiseptic solution and a local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area.
A small needle is then guided using an X-ray to the targeted medial branch nerve which is then numbed with local anaesthetic like lignocaine.
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FAQ's
At consultation, your Consultant will be able to tell you if you are suitable.
There is some discomfort with needle insertion which we minimise by numbing the skin over the nerves with a local anaesthetic.
All procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic so within one and three hours of your procedure, patients are typically discharged. All patients should have a chaperone (friend, family member or carer) to collect them after their procedure and remain with them on their journey home.
You are likely to feel mild pain in the joint for two to three days, however the pain can be managed with regular strength painkillers.
Post procedure, you should refrain from strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
If you benefit from the procedure, the next step would be consideration of radiofrequency treatment of the medial branch nerves. This is a procedure that will provide pain relief for an even longer period of time. This will be discussed at your next appointment.
Dr SW Clinics
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