Worried About Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that impacts 20% of American adults, though some researchers believe the figure to be much higher. The condition can be debilitating and cause immense physical, emotional, and mental stress. For many people suffering from chronic pain, finding a source of relief is an ongoing struggle. One potential treatment option is a medial branch block. This procedure has been used for decades to reduce or eliminate pain. Chronic pain sufferers can get much-needed relief by targeting the nerves that send pain signals.
What is a medial branch block?
The body contains many nerves, an information highway that sends electrical signals to and from the brain. If the body is injured or in distress, the pain signals radiate from that location, causing pain. If the nerves are disrupted, chronic pain can also be due to the constant warning signals transmitted. A medial branch block helps diagnose and treat nerve compression in the spine. This nerve compression can happen due to arthritis, sudden trauma, or long-term injury. The block involves local anesthetic and steroid injections delivered directly into the medial branch nerves that innervate the facet joints. The purpose of performing this block is to provide temporary pain relief for those suffering from chronic back and neck pain. The procedure can also help identify which nerve or joint is causing the symptoms.
What should you expect?
An anesthesiologist injects a combination of local anesthetic and steroid medication through a needle directly into one or more affected areas. This shot helps reduce inflammation associated with nerve compression and offers patients temporary relief from discomfort. The patient is often face down on the operating table with the back exposed. To ensure accuracy and safety, imaging technology such as fluoroscopy helps identify the exact location of each nerve beforehand. In most cases, the patient helps the attendant during the process, which can take about 30 minutes. Once injected, patients can typically expect results within 24 hours and may experience sustained symptom relief for up to 3 months after treatment. Studies show that up to 92% of patients experience pain relief. Medial branch blocks are diagnostic tools, so the procedure can also confirm any deeper issues.
After a block
Once the procedure is complete, the goal is to monitor the symptoms and plan for the next steps. A medial branch block, along with some lifestyle changes, is often enough to address chronic pain. For instance, physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce chronic pain. Regular exercise helps strengthen muscles and boosts endorphins, hormones that make a person feel good. Another way to relieve chronic pain is by using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation. These practices help calm the mind and body, resulting in decreased muscle tension and better sleep quality. If the pain returns or persists, some patients can have additional blocks done, or surgery may be an option.
Curb chronic pain
The medial branch block procedure is a safe and effective way to manage chronic pain. Through this procedure, individuals can reduce or eliminate discomfort in the short term while also receiving an accurate diagnosis of the underlying condition. With the help of medical professionals, nerve pathways can be better understood, and pain can be addressed faster. Each individual’s situation is unique, but a medial branch block has a high success rate in providing relief across the board.
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“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
