Medial Branch Block Injections Q&A
A medial branch block is an injection that targets the medial branches of the spinal nerves, which are small nerves that transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the spine to the brain. The top pain management clinic offers the best pain relief procedures. Contact us for the best medial branch block costs in Texas. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX.
Table of Contents:
Who are good candidates for medial branch blocks?
Overview
Medial Branch Blocks are similar to facet injections; however, instead of injecting into the joint, Dr Morchower blocks the tiny nerves that receive pain signals from the facet joints. These are called the medial branch nerves and they lie right next to the actual joints in the neck, thoracic back, and lower back. With X-ray guidance (Fluoroscopy), Dr Morchower can guide the needle to this nerve and put numbing medication on the nerve. This aids in diagnosing where your pain is coming from.
Similar to facet joint injections, medial branch blocks can be used diagnostically as well as to treat chronic neck and back pain associated with the following conditions:
• Disc Herniation – In between the vertebrae in our spine, there are gel-like discs that absorb the shock and pressures our spine encounters on a daily basis. If you receive too much impact, like in a fall, car accident, lifting heavy, or other major injury, it may cause the disc to slip out, or herniate, out of place. When it protrudes out, it can hit the nerves that run alongside the spine, which can cause pain in the back, neck, or extremities.
• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) – DDD is a common condition that comes with age. Again, degenerative disc disease is a natural process of aging. With this process, the disc loses its elasticity and hydration which can cause the disc space to narrow and the disc to tear. This can also be a significant factor in back and neck pain.
• Spinal Stenosis – Arthritis and other conditions that cause abnormal bony formations and ligament thickening can cause narrowing of the spinal canal where spinal nerves run up and down the spine. This is called spinal stenosis or spinal narrowing. The narrowing within the vertebrae irritates the spinal nerves, causing significant neck, back, and/or leg pain. Some people are predisposed to having spinal stenosis. Stenosis is another word for Narrowing.
• Whiplash – The quick movement and force from whiplash can cause pain in the area of the facet joints of the neck leading to chronic neck, shoulder, and arm pain. Whiplash injuries are commonly the result of car accidents and sports injuries.
The Procedure
Medial branch and facet block injections take about 30 minutes to perform. Only a small amount of a long-acting anesthetic is injected at each nerve for the block. Before the actual block injection, the skin on the back is cleaned and numbed with a local, short-acting anesthetic. Twilight sedation can be used for comfort during this procedure.
The Results
Since medial branch and facet blocks are mostly utilized as diagnostic tests, long-term pain relief is not necessarily the goal. The block works more as a predictor for how well treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (Rhizotomy aka Nerve Burn) will work for your pain. Dr. Morchower will often refer to the medial branch blocks as “a test” to determine if you are a candidate for a nerve Rhizotomy. You can visit us at our clinics located in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.
*Individual Result May Vary*
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