Facet joint injection/medial branch nerve block

Lighthouse Spine Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related conditions. Our team of highly experienced physicians is skilled in performing a wide range of procedures to relieve pain and improve mobility. Among the procedures offered at Lighthouse Spine Center are facet joint injections and medial branch nerve blocks. Facet joint injections and medial branch nerve blocks are both procedures used to alleviate pain in the spine caused by conditions such as facet joint syndrome or spinal stenosis, but they work in slightly different ways. While facet joint injections target the joint itself, medial branch nerve blocks focus on the nerve that supplies sensation to the joint. These procedures are designed to alleviate pain and inflammation in the spine caused by conditions such as facet joint syndrome, spinal stenosis, or arthritis. Our physicians at Lighthouse Spine Center are highly experienced in performing these procedures and are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients.

What is Facet Joint Injection and Medial Branch Nerve Block

A facet joint injection is a procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic and steroid medication into the facet joints located on the back of the spine. Facet joint injections work by blocking pain signals from the affected joint and reducing inflammation, which can provide long-lasting pain relief and improve mobility and function. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Similarly, a medial branch nerve block is a procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves innervating the facet joints of the spine. These nerves are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. Medial branch nerve blocks are commonly used to diagnose and treat pain in the neck, thoracic and lower back, caused by facet joint arthritis or facet joint syndrome. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and can provide several months of pain relief. If performed as a diagnostic procedure, it is short-lasting, however, it is usually followed by radiofrequency ablation of the same nerves.

Procedure Process

Facet joint injections are typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient is positioned lying on their stomach, and the area where the injection will be administered is numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a small needle is inserted into the facet joint, and a contrast dye is injected to confirm the needle's placement. Once the needle is in the correct position, a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the joint. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, and the patient is monitored for a short time afterward before being allowed to go home.

Medial branch nerve blocks are performed in a similar fashion, however, a small needle is inserted near the targeted medial branch nerve, and a local anesthetic is injected to temporarily block the nerve's signal. If the patient experiences significant pain relief following the initial injection, radiofrequency ablation can be performed later, to provide long-lasting relief. The entire procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, and the patient is monitored for a short time afterward before being allowed to go home.

Recovery Process

After a facet joint injection or medial branch nerve block, patients should have immediate pain relief lasting for a couple of hours. However, patients may experience mild pain or discomfort for a few days when the local anesthetic wears off and before steroid medication (if used) starts working. This is normal and can be managed with ice, over-the-counter pain medication, and rest. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area. It is important to avoid strenuous activity for a few days following the procedure. Patients can typically return to their normal activities the next day after the injection or nerve block. If the pain persists or worsens, patients should contact their providers.

Benefits

Facet joint injections and medial branch nerve blocks are effective treatments for reducing pain and improving function in patients with spine-related conditions. Facet joint injections can provide long-lasting pain relief by delivering medication directly to the affected joint. This can improve mobility and function, and reduce the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery. Similarly, medial branch nerve blocks can provide pain relief by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the affected nerves. This is mostly used to confirm the source of the patient’s pain and is usually followed by a longer-lasting procedure, radiofrequency ablation of the same nerves. 

Consultation and Preparation

Before getting a facet joint injection or medial branch nerve block at Lighthouse Spine Center, patients will first have a consultation with our physicians. We will review the patient's medical history, symptoms, and any previous treatments. A physical examination will also be performed to assess the patient's spine and determine the best course of treatment. We will explain the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have. Pre-procedure instructions may include fasting for a certain period of time, stopping certain medications, and arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure. It is important for patients to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and effective procedure.

Conclusion

At Lighthouse Spine Center, we are committed to providing personalized care and effective treatment options for our patients. If you are experiencing pain or mobility issues related to a spinal condition, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our physicians to learn more about how facet joint injections or medial branch nerve blocks can help you. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our services.