Treatments

Medial Branch Blocks for Chronic Back & Neck Pain Relief

Chronic neck or back pain can make everyday tasks feel exhausting especially when it’s caused by things like arthritis, inflamed facet joints, or irritated nerves. A medial branch block (MBB) is a simple, non-surgical treatment that targets the nerves carrying those pain signals. At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we perform medial branch blocks to help patients move more comfortably and get long-term relief.

‍

What is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block is an injection used to temporarily block off the medial branch nerves which are the tiny nerves that send pain signals from the facet joints in your spine. These joints can become irritated or inflamed from:

• Facet Joint Arthritis (Spondylosis) - Wear and tear in the spinal joints
• Chronic Back or Neck Pain - Often related to degeneration or past injuries
• Spinal Stenosis - Nerve compression caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal
• Whiplash or Trauma - Injuries that affect the joints and nerves around the spine

This treatment has two primary purposes:

• Diagnosis - Confirming if the facet joints are the true source of your pain
• Pain relief - Offering short-term comfort while we explore longer-term options like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are necessary.

Learn more about pain therapy treatments at Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists.

‍

Who Can Benefit from a Medial Branch Block?

You may be a good candidate for a medial branch block if you’re dealing with:

• Persistent back or neck pain that worsens with movement
• Pain radiating to the shoulders, upper back, or hips
• Trouble bending, twisting, or staying in one position
• Little to no relief from medications or physical therapy

If you feel better after the injection, that’s a sign the pain is coming from your facet joints and RFA might be the next step for longer-lasting relief.

‍

Explore other non-surgical spine treatments.

‍

How is a Medial Branch Block Performed?

This outpatient procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes and includes:

Step 1: Getting Ready
You’ll lie face down on the treatment table, and the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

Step 2: Guided Injection
Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), your doctor will guide a thin needle to the medial branch nerves. A small amount of numbing medicine (and sometimes a steroid)  is injected to temporarily block pain signals. 

Step 3: Recovery & Monitoring
You’ll be monitored briefly after the injection, then go home the same day. If your pain goes away shortly after, it’s a strong sign those facet joints are the issue.

If successful, you may move forward with radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which can provide pain relief that lasts for months or even years.

‍

Learn about radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain.

‍

What to Expect After a Medial Branch Block

Most people return to light activity within a few hours. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous movement for at least 24 hours.

Pain relief from the injection may last a few hours to a few days. Even if it’s short-term, it gives valuable insight into what’s causing your pain and helps guide your next steps.

Benefits of Medial Branch Blocks

• Quick pain relief to help confirm if facet joints are the source
• No incisions or stitches making this procedure minimally invasive
• Helps determine if you’re a candidate for longer-term options like RFA
• Fast recovery and low downtime
• Targets the problem at its source, reducing the need for daily medications

Read about radiofrequency ablation for long-term relief.

‍

Long-Term Pain Management After a Medial Branch Block

For longer-lasting results, MBBs are often part of a larger care plan that may include:

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) - Provides 6–12 months of pain relief by disrupting nerve signals.
• Physical therapy - Builds strength and stability in your spine
• Posture & ergonomics - Prevents further joint degeneration.
• Lifestyle support -  Like weight management and low-impact exercise

If the block provides only temporary relief, RFA can be the next step to reduce those pain signals for a longer stretch.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a medial branch block last?
Relief usually lasts from a few hours to a few days. If it works well, we may recommend radiofrequency ablation for more lasting results.

‍

Are medial branch blocks painful?
Most people feel little discomfort as we use a local anesthesia.

‍

Will I need multiple medical branch blocks?
Some patients may need repeat injections if pain relief is only temporary. However, most proceed to radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

‍

Are medial branch blocks covered by insurance?
Many insurance providers do cover them as part of chronic pain treatment. We’ll help confirm your coverage and handle the details.

‍

Why Choose Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists for Medial Branch Blocks?

At Midwest Vascular and Pain Specialists, we’re here to help you find real relief from chronic back and neck pain.

• Our specialists are highly trained in spinal and nerve procedures
• We use precise, image-guided injections to ensure accuracy and results
• Every care plan is tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and goals

‍