What is Medial Branch Block?
Medial Branch Block A medial branch block is an injection of a strong local anaesthetic on the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints, and is often used as part of a two-step diagnostic process. If the patient experiences the appropriate amount of pain relief after the injection, then the facet joint is determined to be the primary source of pain and the patient can then be considered a candidate for a subsequent treatment that will provide longer term pain relief. The facet joints, also known as the zygapophysial joints, are part of the framework of the spine. They are small projections from one vertebra meeting with similar bony projections from the vertebra above or below. Sometimes, due to a variety of acute and chronic conditions, the facet joints can become inflamed. For lower back (lumbar) facet joints, the pattern of pain is usually an achiness in the low back, radiating across the lower back and slightly down the back of the buttocks and upper thighs. Usually, stand