What is a lumbar medial branch block?
In a lumbar medial branch block, an anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerve. This stops the transmission of pain signals from the facet joint. If this reduces your pain and helps you move your back like normal, it may tell the doctor which facet joint is causing the pain.
Is a medial branch block the same as an epidural?
Two common procedures recommended by orthopedic specialists are Epidural Steroid Injections and Medial Branch Blocks. While both procedures are highly effective in reducing pain, they are not used interchangeably.
How long does a lumbar nerve block last?
The effects of the injection are usually immediate. It only takes a short time for the medication to achieve pain relief. However, nerve blocks are only a temporary fix—they typically last for up to one or two weeks and then wear off as your body absorbs them.
What happens if a medial branch block doesn’t work?
Consider a medial branch block The injections can also give temporary relief if the issue is indeed nerve-related. If a branch block does not work, there is another issue causing back pain. Doctors can try further tests for a proper diagnosis. Speak with a doctor about the possibility of a medial branch block today.
How often can you have a medial branch block?
How Often Should this Procedure be Done? Medial branch blocks in one area are generally limited to three within a six-month time frame. In many instances, only one or two injections are required to obtain benefit.
Should you consider a medial branch block?
As evidence evolves on the efficacy of facet joint injections, a medial branch block may also be considered instead of a facet joint injection. A medial branch block might also be considered first if for any reason the patient cannot tolerate the steroid and/or an injection directly into the facet joint.
What is a cervical medial branch?
Cervical medial branch nerves are located in a bony groove in the neck Thoracic medial branch nerves are located over a bone in the mid-back or upper back Lumbosacral medial branch nerves are found in a bony groove in the low back.
What is a diagnostic medial branch block?
A medial branch block is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate whether a patient’s pain is related to a facet joint in the back.
What to expect after cervical branch block?
After the procedure you may feel slightly dizzy or even have a slight feeling of being faint, however, this will soon pass and after the procedure you will be monitored to check that you are ok and after a short period, you will be allowed home.