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CERVICAL MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCK is a diagnostic procedure that is very

safely and quickly performed with fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.  The facet

joints of the cervical spine may be diagnosed as the cause of your

neck pain from findings on MRI, CT, or X-Ray, and your history of pain,

and physical examination.  To determine if the arthritic joints are actually the

source of your pain, a thin needle is guided with fluoroscopy (real time X-ray)

to a point near the facet joint where the Medial Branch Nerve that gives the joint its sensation is found, and a solution of an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected around the nerve.  This serves to temporarily deaden or

"block" the nerve, keeping it from sending any painful sensations from the joint 

to the brain.  If the suspected joints are the reason for your neck pain, you will

experience a very high degree of temporary relief of neck pain and stiffness.

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This diagnostic procedure will pinpoint which involved facet joints are the 

source of your pain, and should provide a very high degree of very

temporary relief.  When your pain returns, a second set of confirmatory 

blocks are usually performed. 

 

If on two occasions your usual neck pain is well relieved, you will likely want to proceed to Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation for long term relief.

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IS IT SAFE? 

 

Yes, in the hands of an experienced Pain Physician it is a very safe and simple procedure that is well tolerated.

 

 

IS IT PAINFUL?

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No, the procedure is generally performed with local anesthesia and well tolerated

with mild discomfort. However, you may choose to have IV anesthesia for

additional comfort should you choose.  After the procedure there should be no

more than mild stiffness from the injections, and onset of pain relief is rapid.