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Medial Branch Block
Experiencing persistent back or neck pain? Our Medial Branch Block Injections (MBBs) offer a precise, non-surgical approach to both diagnose and relieve pain at its source. This targeted treatment provides lasting relief and helps restore your quality of life.
What is a Medial Branch Block?
Medial branch blocks are a type of injection treatment used for minimally invasive, non-surgical pain relief. It involves injecting a local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints. These nerves send pain signals from the facet joints in your spine to your brain. These pain relief injections help to diagnose the exact source of pain and provide temporary relief for neck or back conditions caused by inflammation or joint dysfunction
What To Expect
The procedure is quick and straightforward, typically completed in 20–30 minutes:
✔️ You'll lie face-down on the procedure table and the treatment area will be cleaned and numbed.
✔️ Using fluoroscopic imaging, Dr. Brewer guides a thin needle to the precise anatomical location where the medial branch nerve passes alongside each targeted facet joint.
✔️ A small amount of local anesthetic is injected at each target location — typically 2–6 sites depending on the levels being evaluated.
✔️ You'll be asked to assess your pain level before leaving the clinic and again over the hours following the procedure.
✔️ Keeping an accurate pain diary on the day of the block is important for diagnostic interpretation.
Results and Recovery
Recovery is minimal. You may experience mild tenderness at the injection site(s) for 24–48 hours. The diagnostic window is the hours immediately following the procedure, during which you should track any reduction in your pain. Return to normal light activities is possible the same day, though you'll need a driver for your appointment. Your response to the block will guide Dr. Brewer's recommendations for your next treatment step.
Medial branch blocks are recommended for patients who:
✔️ Have chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain suspected to originate from the facet joints
✔️ Experience pain that is worse with extension or rotation of the spine
✔️ Have imaging findings consistent with facet joint arthritis or degeneration
✔️ Are being evaluated for facet radiofrequency neurotomy and need diagnostic confirmation
✔️ Have not responded adequately to medications, physical therapy, or prior injections
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Benefits of Medial Branch Blocks
Accurate Pain Source Diagnosis
For many patients, the procedure provides temporary relief while offering valuable insight into the cause of their pain.
No Surgical Procedure Necessary
This personalized approach helps ensure that your treatment plan is based on accurate information and your individual needs.
Fast Recovery
The procedure is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and typically requires little downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because multiple structures in the spine can generate similar pain patterns, it's important to confirm the facet joints are the true source before committing to a longer-term procedure like radiofrequency neurotomy. A positive medial branch block gives us high confidence that ablation will be effective for you.
You should experience meaningful pain reduction — typically 50–80% or more — in the hours following the injection. Keeping a pain diary on the day of the procedure is very helpful. We'll review your response at a follow-up appointment to determine next steps.
Sometimes two blocks are performed at different timepoints before proceeding to radiofrequency neurotomy, particularly if insurance requires dual diagnostic confirmation. We'll explain what's required based on your specific insurance plan.
Typically, no. A diagnostic medial branch block uses only local anesthetic — no steroid — so that your pain response is as clear and accurate as possible. The goal is diagnostic information, not therapeutic treatment.
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Leaders In Shreveport Pain Management for Over 20 Years