Medial Branch Blocks: Targeted Relief for Chronic Spine and Joint Pain

Chronic back and neck pain can make daily activities difficult, especially when caused by arthritis, facet joint inflammation, or nerve irritation. Medial branch blocks are a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that targets the nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints. At Ascend Pain & Wellness, we offer expertly performed medial branch blocks to help patients regain mobility and long-term relief.

What is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block (MBB) is a diagnostic and therapeutic injection used to temporarily block pain signals from the medial branch nerves, which supply the facet joints of the spine. These joints can become inflamed due to:

• Facet Joint Arthritis (Spondylosis) – Wear and tear in the joints of the spine.
• Chronic Back and Neck Pain – Often caused by degeneration or previous injuries.
• Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal leading to nerve compression.
• Whiplash or Trauma – Injuries affecting the spinal joints.

Medial branch blocks serve two primary purposes:

1. Diagnosis – Confirming whether facet joints are the source of pain.
2. Pain Relief – Providing temporary relief while determining if a longer-term treatment like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is necessary.

Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Ascend Pain & Wellness.

Who Can Benefit from a Medial Branch Block?

Medial branch blocks are recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Chronic back or neck pain that worsens with movement.
• Pain radiating into the shoulders, upper back, or hips.
• Difficulty bending, twisting, or maintaining certain postures.
• Limited relief from medications or physical therapy.

If pain temporarily improves after a medial branch block, a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure may be recommended for longer-lasting relief.

Explore other non-surgical spine treatments.

How is a Medial Branch Block Performed?

This outpatient procedure is performed in 15 to 30 minutes with the following steps:

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Preparation

• The patient lies face down on the treatment table.
• The injection site is numbed with a local anesthetic.

Step 2: Image-Guided Injection

• A thin needle is guided to the medial branch nerves using fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging).
• A small amount of anesthetic (and sometimes a steroid) is injected to temporarily block pain signals.

Step 3: Post-Procedure Monitoring

• Patients are monitored for a short time and can return home the same day.
• If pain relief is immediate, it indicates that the facet joints are the source of the pain.

If successful, patients may be candidates for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a longer-lasting procedure that disrupts pain signals for months to years.

Learn about radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain.

What to Expect After a Medial Branch Block?

Most patients resume light activities within a few hours, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours. Pain relief can last anywhere from several hours to a few days, helping physicians determine if RFA is the next step.

If pain relief is only temporary, additional treatments like physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and nerve ablation may be recommended.

Benefits of Medial Branch Blocks

• Immediate pain relief to confirm facet joints as the pain source.
• Minimally invasive procedure with no surgery required.
• Helps determine candidacy for long-term treatments like RFA.
• Quick recovery with minimal downtime.
• Targets pain at the source, reducing reliance on medications.

Read about other advanced pain management techniques.

Long-Term Pain Management After a Medial Branch Block

For long-lasting relief, medial branch blocks are often combined with:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – Provides 6–12 months of pain relief by disrupting nerve signals.
• Physical therapy – Strengthens muscles to support the spine.
• Posture and ergonomic adjustments – Prevents further joint degeneration.
• Lifestyle modifications, including weight management and low-impact exercise.

If a medial branch block provides temporary relief, radiofrequency ablation may be performed to disable pain signals for an extended period.

Read about radiofrequency ablation for long-term relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a medial branch block last?

Pain relief typically lasts a few hours to several days. If successful, radiofrequency ablation may be recommended for longer relief.

Are medial branch blocks painful?

Most patients feel minimal discomfort, as the procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Will I need multiple medial branch blocks?

Some patients may need repeat injections if pain relief is temporary. However, most proceed to radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

Are medial branch blocks covered by insurance?

Many insurance providers cover medial branch blocks for chronic pain management. Our team can assist with verifying coverage.

Why Choose Ascend Pain & Wellness for Medial Branch Blocks?

At Ascend Pain & Wellness, we specialize in interventional spine and nerve treatments, offering minimally invasive procedures to restore mobility and function.

• Expert pain specialists trained in medial branch procedures.
• Advanced fluoroscopic guidance for precise nerve targeting.
• Comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If chronic back or neck pain is interfering with your daily activities, a medial branch block may be the solution. Contact Ascend Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation.

Call (708) 550-7005 or visit our website for more information.

Related Resources

• Pain Therapy Treatments
• Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Pain
• Spinal Cord Stimulation for Nerve Pain
• Meet Our Specialists

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