Facet Joint Injections or Medial Branch Blocks

What are Facet Joint Injections or Medial Branch Blocks?

Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks are minimally invasive procedures designed to relieve pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. The facet joints are small joints that connect the vertebrae, allowing the spine to move smoothly and provide stability.

Conditions it Treats, Why You May Need It

These treatments are commonly used to address pain caused by facet joint arthritis, facet joint syndrome, and degenerative spinal conditions. If you suffer from chronic neck or back pain that has not responded to other treatments, your healthcare provider may recommend Facet Joint Injections or Medial Branch Blocks to diagnose and manage your pain.

How it Works: How it Will Help with Your Pain

During the procedure, a skilled pain management specialist will inject a mixture of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into the facet joint or the nerves called medial branches that transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. This helps to block pain signals, providing pain relief and allowing you to engage in physical therapy or rehabilitation with less discomfort.

What to Expect

• Procedure Duration: The injection procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
• Discomfort: Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but a local anesthetic is used to minimize any pain.
• Risks: While considered safe, there may be minimal risks involved, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve injury.
• Duration of Results: The duration of pain relief varies from patient to patient but can last from weeks to months.
• Combination with Other Treatments: Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks can be used in conjunction with other pain management therapies for more comprehensive relief.

Tips to Get Ready for the Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks Procedure:

• Follow any pre-procedure instructions provided by your pain management specialist, which may include fasting before the injection.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some may need to be temporarily stopped before the procedure.

What Happens During the Facet Joint Injections and Medial Branch Blocks Procedure?

The patient will receive two diagnostic injections, and if these injections successfully alleviate pain, the next step is Radio Frequency Ablations (RFAs). RFAs use heat to create a lesion on the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, providing longer-lasting pain relief.

Post-Operative Care

After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period and then allowed to return home. It is common to experience some soreness at the injection site for a day or two, but you can typically resume your regular activities shortly after the procedure.

• Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours after the injection.
• Use ice packs to reduce any post-procedure discomfort.
• Follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your pain management specialist.