Spinal Injections

Medial Branch Blocks

A diagnostic injection near the nerves supplying the facet joints, confirming the pain source and establishing candidacy for radiofrequency ablation.

Spinal

Category

Outpatient

Procedure

Non-Opioid

Approach

Image-Guided

Precision

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Procedure Overview

Facet joint pain is a common source of axial neck and back pain, but it cannot be confirmed by imaging alone. The only way to know for certain is to block the nerve supply to the facet joint and see if your pain goes away. That is exactly what a medial branch block does, and it also determines whether you are a candidate for a longer-lasting treatment.

Clinical Data

Published studies indicate 70 to 80% of properly selected patients experience immediate diagnostic pain relief following medial branch blocks. A positive response predicts 80 to 90% success with subsequent radiofrequency ablation. (Source to be confirmed by SCOPES Health clinical team.)

Treatment Purpose

Medial branch blocks inject local anesthetic near the small nerves that supply the spinal facet joints. The procedure is primarily diagnostic: significant pain reduction following the injection confirms the facet joint as the pain source and establishes candidacy for radiofrequency ablation, which provides longer-lasting relief. They can also provide meaningful therapeutic benefits when combined with corticosteroid.

Appropriate Conditions

Cervical, thoracic, or lumbar facet joint arthritis
Axial back or neck pain worsened by extension and rotation
Spinal osteoarthritis

Patient Considerations

A medial branch block is a diagnostic step in a treatment process, not a one-time fix. The information it gives your physician is what determines the next and more lasting step. If two confirmed positive blocks identify the facet joint as the source, you become a candidate for radiofrequency ablation, which targets those same nerves with heat to provide relief lasting months to years.

Treatment Process

The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes under fluoroscopic guidance. You will lie face down while a needle is directed to each target facet joint level. Local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerve. You will track your pain level over the following hours using a simple diary to document your diagnostic response. Two confirmed positive blocks at the same levels are typically required before proceeding to radiofrequency ablation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it worked?

You will track your pain over the hours following the injection. 80% or greater pain relief confirms the facet joint as the source.

How many blocks are needed?

Two confirmed positive blocks at the same levels are typically required before proceeding to radiofrequency ablation.

What are the risks?

Very low risk. Temporary soreness at the injection site is common. Infection or intravascular injection are rare.

Need Guidance?

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Every care plan is based on your diagnosis, your symptoms, and your goals.

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