Facet Injections / Medial Branch Blocks
Schedule A Pain Management Consultation
The facet joints in your spine are important for maintaining good posture. If they’re damaged or deteriorating due to arthritis, you may experience chronic neck and back pain that only an experienced pain specialist can diagnose and treat with injections/medial branch blocks! These doctors have considerable skill when it comes to administering image-guided procedures like these two types of medical treatment options available at our clinic.
Understanding Facet Injections & Medial Branch Blocks
What are Facet Joints?
Facet joints, located between vertebrae, ensure spinal stability and prevent excessive twisting or overextension. Medial branch nerves weave through these joints, offering protection while ensuring mobility and proper weight distribution. These joints are vital for back health, preventing misalignments that can lead to pain.
Facet Joint Injections vs. Medial Branch Blocks: What’s the Difference?
For patients not finding relief with conventional treatments, these procedures offer an alternative. Both methods involve injecting a local anesthetic into the facet joints or medial branch nerves to block pain signals.
- Facet Joint Injections: Ideal for acute neck and back injuries when standard treatments don’t work. They block pain receptors, preventing further irritation.
- Medial Branch Blocks: Aimed at reducing joint inflammation and swelling, which, if untreated, can worsen chronic conditions.
Which Treatment is Best for Me?
After a thorough physical examination, our pain specialist will recommend either facet joint injections or medial branch blocks, depending on your condition. Both procedures utilize state-of-the-art image-guided and fluoroscopic technologies.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
Upon administering a local anesthetic to numb the area, the doctor will use fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance to accurately position the treatment needles on either side of your spine. This ensures a targeted approach, delivering medication precisely where needed. Both treatments are swift outpatient procedures.