Facet Joint Medial Branch Block

Overview

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints along the back of the spine that can become a source of chronic neck or back pain, especially with arthritis or after injury. A medial branch block numbs the nerves that carry pain signals from these joints, both confirming the diagnosis and providing temporary relief. If a block gives significant relief, it often points toward radiofrequency ablation as the next, longer-lasting step.

Who This May Help

• •Chronic neck or back pain worsened by twisting or extension
• •Facet joint arthritis
• •Pain following whiplash or other spine injury
• •Patients being evaluated for radiofrequency ablation

What to Expect

• •Quick outpatient injection under fluoroscopic guidance
• •You'll be asked to track your pain relief over the following hours as part of the diagnostic process
• •Can be performed at one or multiple spinal levels