Medial branch blocks and facet injections are both types of spinal injections that provide temporary pain relief by targeting specific medial branch nerves and limiting their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. When used for diagnostic purposes, they contain a local anesthetic but may also contain an anti-inflammatory steroid medication if used as a treatment option.

While facet blocks are administered directly into the facet joint capsule, medial branch blocks are injected outside the joint space near the targeted medial nerve. One of our experienced pain management doctors at Resolve Pain will determine the most appropriate procedure for your case after an in-depth assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals.

Signs You May Need Facet Injections

A wide range of signs and symptoms can indicate that a facet joint injection or medial branch block may be helpful. These may include:

• Chronic back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatment options such as physical therapy or pain medications
• Chronic back or neck pain that doesn’t have a clear cause based on diagnostic imaging procedures
• Neck or back pain that intensifies with movement and/or throughout the day
• Pain that radiates from the back or neck to other areas of the body

At Resolve Pain, our team of experienced pain management doctors will only recommend a facet joint or medial branch block injection after carefully considering your medical history, performing an in-depth physical examination, and using diagnostic tests and tools to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

Conditions Treated

At Resolve Pain and Spine, our pain specialists may recommend a facet joint injection or medial branch block to treat the following conditions:

• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Facet joint cysts
• Spinal stenosis
• Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy
• Spondylosis
• Sciatica
• Arthritis of the spine
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Post-surgical pain
• Post-whiplash pain
• Headaches

Don’t see your specific condition listed here? Contact Resolve Pain and Spine to book a consultation and learn more about spinal injections and other treatment options that can help you move forward on your journey to recovery.

What To Expect From Treatment

Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections are both minimally invasive procedures that are performed on-site at our state-of-the-art clinics. Exceptional patient care is our top priority, and our team will do everything possible to ensure your comfort from start to finish.

To begin, you will lie face down, the treatment area will be cleansed, and you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the injection site. Next, your experienced doctor will use fluoroscopic guidance to precisely place the needle and perform the injection. The entire procedure usually takes between 10-30 minutes in total.

Results And Recovery

After the injection has been performed, you will spend an hour or so in recovery at our clinic before being released to go home. You will need to avoid driving and vigorous physical activity on the day of your procedure and your doctor will provide clear post-care instructions for treating any localized pain that may occur. Most patients can return to their regular activities the day after receiving a spinal injection. Speak with one of our specialists for any specific questions or concerns based on your particular situation.

If you experience immediate pain relief after receiving a medial branch block or facet joint injection, this is a strong indicator that the origin of your chronic pain stems from a medial branch nerve issue. Your Resolve doctor will develop a customized treatment plan and recommend the next steps accordingly.

Why Choose Resolve Pain And Spine?

Resolve Pain and Spine is a cutting-edge pain management clinic that is rooted in a holistic, multidisciplinary treatment approach. Drawing on integrative, functional, and regenerative therapies in addition to interventional medicine techniques, our doctors are dedicated to uncovering the hidden causes of chronic pain and restoring our patients’ quality of life. Spinal injections are just one of the many diagnostic and treatment options we use to achieve the very best pain relief outcomes. Contact us directly to learn more!

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Pinpoint the cause of your chronic neck or back pain with a targeted facet joint or medial branch block administered by the exceptional team at Resolve Pain and Spine. Contact our West Orange or Brick locations today to book an appointment!