Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

A Cervical Medial Branch Block is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to relieve neck pain caused by inflammation or irritation of the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints in the cervical spine (neck) to the brain. This procedure involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic near the medial branch nerves to temporarily numb them, which helps determine if these nerves are the source of the pain. If successful, this procedure can provide temporary relief and serve as a precursor to a more long-lasting procedure, such as radiofrequency ablation.

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks can be utilized as a treatment for:

-Neck Pain


Cervical Medial Branch Blocks

A successful cervical medial branch block will provide temporary pain relief, typically lasting a few hours to several days, as the anesthetic wears off. The primary purpose of the procedure is diagnostic, helping the doctor confirm the source of pain. If the medial branch block is effective, it may indicate that a longer-lasting treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, could be beneficial.


You might consider this procedure if:


Chronic Neck Pain: You experience ongoing neck pain that has not improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes.

Pain from Arthritis or Injury: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or injuries, such as whiplash, are causing persistent pain in the cervical spine.

Diagnosing Pain Source: The doctor needs to identify if the medial branch nerves are the source of your neck pain before recommending further treatment.


Potential for Long-Lasting Relief:
You are exploring options for long-term pain relief and want to determine if radiofrequency ablation may be an appropriate follow-up treatment.

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What to Expect for the Treatment?

A Cervical Medial Branch Block is generally performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The procedure involves:


Preparation: The patient lies face-down, and the neck area is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is used to numb the skin and surrounding tissues.


Guidance with Fluoroscopy: Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), the doctor precisely locates the medial branch nerves and guides the needle to the correct position.


Injection of Anesthetic:

A small amount of anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the medial branch nerves, temporarily numbing them.


Observation: After the injection, the patient is observed to see if the pain is reduced. If the pain relief is significant, it indicates that the medial branch nerves are likely the source of the pain.

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Post-Procedure Care:

After a cervical medial branch block, most patients can go home the same day. Some aftercare tips include:


Limit Activity: Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours after the procedure to minimize discomfort and allow the anesthetic to take effect.

Monitor Pain Relief: Track how long the pain relief lasts and any changes in your pain level, as this information can help guide future treatment.

Apply Ice if Needed: If there is minor swelling or soreness at the injection site, applying ice for short periods may provide relief.

Avoid Driving: Due to the anesthetic effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day.

Potential Risks and Side Effects:

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks are generally safe, but there are some potential risks and side effects, including:


Temporary Soreness or Bruising: Some patients experience soreness, bruising, or mild swelling at the injection site.

Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site, though sterile techniques are used to minimize this.

Allergic Reaction: Rarely, patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthetic or other medication used.

Nerve Damage or Increased Pain: In very rare cases, there may be an increase in pain or nerve damage from the injection.

Temporary Numbness or Weakness: Some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the neck or shoulder area.

Follow-Up and Next Steps:
If the cervical medial branch block provides significant pain relief, your doctor may recommend a more long-lasting treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which uses heat to disable the medial branch nerves and block pain signals for several months. Alternatively, if the block does not provide relief, further diagnostic testing may be recommended to identify the true source of your pain.

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks can be an effective way to diagnose and manage chronic neck pain caused by conditions like arthritis or injury. This minimally invasive procedure provides temporary relief and helps identify whether the medial branch nerves are the source of the pain. For patients who experience relief from the block, longer-lasting treatments may be available to provide more sustainable pain management. If you have persistent neck pain that has not responded to conservative treatments, discuss with your doctor whether a cervical medial branch block could be a suitable option for you.

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