In this post:
- Up to 80% of people experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
- Medial branch blocks are minimally invasive injections used to diagnose and treat facet joint pain in the neck and back.
- The procedure is performed outpatient, typically takes about 30 minutes, and requires little downtime.
- Relief may last weeks to several months and can help determine if radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the next step.
- Premier Pain & Spine offers medial branch blocks in Chicago, IL to help patients find long-term relief from chronic spine pain.
If you have stumbled upon this blog because you want to learn more about your options when it comes to neck and back pain, then you know how incredibly common it is. Did you know that research shows that 80% of people experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime? Unfortunately, that number isn’t surprising.
At Premier Pain and Spine, we want you to know that finding the right solutions for pain management in Chicago, IL, doesn’t have to be hard. If you’ve been told your pain might be coming from the small joints in your spine, a medial branch block might be the next step you want to consider.
What Are Medial Branch Blocks?
Medial Branch Block treatment is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing facet joint disease (or Facet Syndrome) and treating the chronic pain associated with the condition. A Medial Branch Block stops pain by blocking the pain signal from the nerve to the brain.
Why It May Be Recommended
Medial branch blocks are commonly used when facet joint disease/facet syndrome is suspected as the main source of ongoing spine pain. The procedure has two purposes:
- One is diagnostic; if it relieves pain, then it shows the joint is the cause.
- The second is therapeutic since, in and of itself, a medial branch block may provide relief for months at a time!
What Conditions are Treatable with Medial Branch Blocks?
This injection is often used to determine whether facet joint disease is contributing to chronic spine pain and then treat the pain once the correct level is identified.
- Neck pain that feels “stuck” or achy with certain movements
- Mid-back pain that gets worse when you extend it
- Low back pain that’s worse with standing, but gets better with sitting
- Pain that feels deep and sore, instead of pain that shoots down your legs and arms
What to Expect
- 30-minute outpatient procedure
- 30 minutes of observation after the procedure
- You’ll lie on an exam table, and the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic
- The area is numbed with a topical anesthetic
- The injection is guided using fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound for accurate placement
- Sedation is usually not necessary
Medial Branch Block Recovery
- Mild soreness where you were injected
- Light bruising, swelling, or light bleeding
- Tenderness for a day or two
- Many patients respond positively within 2 to 3 days
Relief With Branch Blocks
Relief can last a few weeks to several months, depending on your body’s response and the medication used. When it wears off, your doctor may recommend repeating the block or moving forward with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Are Medial Branch Blocks Right For You?
Let’s review…
- Medial branch blocks can help confirm facet joint pain and may also provide relief.
- The visit is typically outpatient with a short observation period afterward.
- Relief can last weeks to months (often around 3 months on average).
- If relief is strong but temporary, RFA may be the next step.
Chronic Neck and Back Pain in Chicago, IL
If you’ve been dealing with pain that doesn’t seem to be going away and your doctor thinks facet joints are involved, a medial branch block is a minimally invasive way to get the answers and relief you’ve been looking for. To determine if you are a candidate for the Medial Branch Block procedure, discuss the treatment with one of our Chicago pain management specialists. We have multiple locations of Premier Pain and Spine and would love to care for you. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534
Frequently Asked Questions About Medial Branch Blocks
Q: What is a medial branch block?
A: A medial branch block is a minimally invasive injection used to diagnose and treat pain caused by irritated facet joints in the spine. The injection temporarily blocks pain signals from the medial branch nerves to the brain.
Q: How do I know if my neck or back pain is coming from facet joints?
A: Facet joint pain often feels deep, achy, and worse with certain movements like standing, twisting, or extending the spine. It usually does not cause sharp, shooting pain down the arms or legs. A medial branch block can help confirm whether the facet joints are the source of your pain.
Q: Are medial branch blocks painful?
A: Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic before the injection, and imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) ensures precise placement. Mild soreness afterward is normal but typically resolves within a day or two.
Q: How long does a medial branch block last?
A: Pain relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. On average, many patients experience relief for about three months. Results vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition.
Q: What happens if the injection works but the pain comes back?
A: If you experience significant relief, but it is temporary, your provider may recommend repeating the injection or moving forward with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which can provide longer-lasting relief by interrupting the pain signal more permanently.
Q: How many medial branch blocks can I receive?
A: Generally, no more than three injections should be performed within a six-month period. Your pain specialist will determine the safest and most effective treatment schedule for your condition.
Q: Is there downtime after the procedure?
A: Medial branch blocks are outpatient procedures. You’ll be observed for about 30 minutes afterward and can usually return to light activity the same day. Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours.
Q: Where can I get a medial branch block in Chicago, IL?
A: Premier Pain & Spine offers medial branch block procedures at multiple locations throughout Chicago in Schaumburg, Downers Grove & Berwyn, IL. Our double board-certified pain management specialists provide personalized treatment plans to help you find lasting relief from chronic neck and back pain.