What is a facet block or medial branch block?
Often the arthritic spinal joints (facet joints) are inaccessible to the needle due to loss of joint space. Then, we try to block the nerves that carry noxious sensation from the affected joints to the spinal cord. The nerve that carries sensation from the facet joint is called the facet nerve or the medial branch of the spinal nerve. A facet block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid into a joint in the spine. A medial branch block is similar but the medication is placed outside the joint space near the nerve that supplies the joint called the medial branch (steroid may or may not be used). You may require multiple injections depending upon how many joints are involved. Facet blocks and medial branch blocks are typically ordered for patients who have pain primarily in their back due to arthritic changes in the facet joints or for mechanical low back pain. A facet nerve block or medial branch block is a diagnostic procedure. Long term pain relief is not expected. If there is
