Medial Branch Blocks are a minimally invasive non-surgical treatment that is used for arthritis related neck and back pain. This pain management technique works by reducing the inflammation and irritation in the facet joints of the spine that is causing your pain.

The facet is a joint that connects one vertebra (bone of the spine) to another. The needle is placed over the nerve that provides sensation to the facet joint. This nerve is the Medial Branch. The injection includes both a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic like lidocaine. The steroid reduces inflammation and irritation and the anesthetic works to numb the pain. The entire procedure usually takes less than fifteen minutes.

Medial Branch Blocks have increased dramatically in the Medicare population and are becoming even more popular today. They are being used more frequently because they have provided successful results in the treatment of back pain.