Medial Branch Block

Here’s how a medial branch block procedure is typically performed:

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient may be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie face down on an examination table. Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels may be monitored throughout the procedure.

2. Sterilization: The skin over the targeted area is cleaned and sterilized with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin and tissues around the injection site. This helps reduce discomfort during the procedure.

4. Needle insertion: Using fluoroscopic guidance (live X-ray imaging), the healthcare provider inserts a thin needle near the medial branch nerves that supply sensation to the facet joints. These nerves transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.

5. Injection: Once the needle is correctly positioned, a mixture of local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid medication is injected around the medial branch nerves. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid helps reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.

6. Assessment: After the injection, the patient is typically monitored for a short period to evaluate the response. If the patient experiences significant pain relief following the injection, it suggests that the facet joints supplied by the targeted medial branch nerves are contributing to their pain.