Lumbar Medial Branch Block
A local anaesthetic (Marcaine) is injected near the medial branch nerves of the facet joint(s) suspected to be causing pain. The local anaesthetic blocks the transmission of pain signals from the facet joint suspected of causing pain. The pain is typically reduced and you are able to move your neck normally for at least 2 hours following the injection. Then this test is used as a diagnostic tool to identify which specific facet joint is causing the pain. If you have any questions after reading this information about lumbar medial branch block, please call us. We, at Spine Physicians Institute, have performed this procedure on countless patients over the years.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- During the procedure, local anaesthetic will also be used to numb your skin.
- Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray machine, is used to ensure proper placement of the needle directly over the area of the medial branch nerve.
- Once correct placement of the needle is verified, Marcaine is injected.
Recovery
You are monitored for up to 30 minutes after the injection. It is important to keep track of the degree and duration of pain relief following injection. This information will help your doctor know what the next step will be. You may feel immediate pain relief in your neck and upper back for 2-6 hours following the injection. If your pain improves significantly for at least 2 hours, you may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the medial branch nerve.
For more questions, contact our offices located in Dallas, Irving, Red Oak, Plano, Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Duncanville marketplaces.