Treating Your Chronic Joint Pain
Joints connect the bones of the body and are critical for movement. With age, chronic joint pain can develop in the knees, shoulders, hip, wrist, and almost anywhere in the body. However, the facet joints in the spine can be particularly irritating. Chronic back pain may need specialized treatment, such as a medial branch block to help with the pain.
Vertebrae, facet joints, and medial branch nerves
The spinal column contains 33 interlocking bones called the vertebrae. These bones are connected by facet joints, which allow mobility in the spine. Medial branch nerves are the tiny nerves along the facet joints, and they transmit pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.
How a medial branch block provides pain relief
The medial branch block is primarily a diagnostic procedure. The doctor injects an anesthetic near medial nerves connecting a particular facet joint. If the nerves cause pain, there should be relief within the next 4-6 hours afterward. Pain relief from the medial branch block lasts only 8-12 hours. If the pain lessened by at least 80%, the doctor will recommend radiofrequency ablation for more extended pain relief.
Performing your branch block
The medial branch block is a quick outpatient procedure that takes just a few minutes. Medial branch blocks happen at a doctor’s office or radiology center. First, a nurse cleans an area of the back or neck with an aseptic solution. Then, using fluoroscopy, your doctor will locate the medial branch nerves of the painful joint. A small needle will be inserted and directed to the identified medial branch nerve. Once the hand is accurately positioned, the local anesthetic numbs the area and repeats as needed.
What are the risks?
Generally, a medial branch block is a low-risk procedure. However, as with all other surgeries, there remains the possibility of experiencing general adverse reactions such as bleeding, infection, nerve damage, allergic reaction to medications, and soreness. The doctor or medical team will outline all risks and steps to relieve these issues.
What happens after your block?
After surgery, patients will be asked to record pain relief within 24 hours. For a more accurate evaluation, doctors recommend that patients do painful activities before the procedure. The review ends once the effect of the anesthetic wears off after 8-12 hours, a follow-up visit helps evaluate the results and determine the next steps. The patient can benefit from physical therapy, radiofrequency ablation, or surgery.
Commit To A Medial Branch Block
A medial branch block can effectively numb your nerves and provide pain
relief. However, patients must remember important that the effects are only temporary. This procedure is primarily diagnostic but can help with a holistic approach to joint pain relief. If a doctor or surgeon suggests a branch block, follow the instructions and take action immediately.
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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 the place was very clean.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“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.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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 ”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“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.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
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“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
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“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
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“All staff were wonderful.”
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