Medial Branch Block

What is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block is an injection given into your back near the facet joints of your spine. A local anesthetic incorporated into the injection alleviates pain. The injection is very carefully placed by a doctor in your back, near the nerves that surround the affected facet joint. Your brain receives pain messages from these nerves. The injection will reduce pain and momentarily block the impulses. Your physician will make sure the injection is administered precisely through the use of X-ray guidance.

How Long Does the Medial Branch Block Procedure Take?

Medial branch blocks are performed on an outpatient basis, which is very convenient for patients. The procedure, which includes both preparation and execution, usually takes about 30 minutes. This amount of time allows for careful treatment without compromising efficiency. After the procedure, patients have another 30 minutes to rest and recuperate before leaving the facility.

How Often Should this Procedure Be Done?

Medial branch blocks are typically injected into a specific spot, and a maximum of three injections should be given over the course of six months. This restriction offers the best possible compromise between the potential risks of repeated interventions and the therapeutic benefits. It is noteworthy that a lot of patients report great pain alleviation with just several injections, demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment approach.

What Are the Expected Results of Medial Branch Blockade?

Throughout a lengthy period of use, median branch blocks have shown to be both safe and efficient. Most patients achieve pain alleviation within minutes of the surgery. Patients are asked to diligently monitor the extent of their discomfort in the days following the treatment in order to accurately determine the intermetatarsal joints as the source of pain. Thanks to this proactive approach, your doctor can evaluate the efficacy of treatment and take additional action as needed.

Dr. Amr Hosny is a Harvard-trained Interventional Spine Specialist that helps patients achieve pain relief, heal from injury, and return to their normal lifestyle as soon as possible without surgery.

Dr. Hosny completed an Interventional Spine fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA, and then finished his residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University in NYC. He currently serves as an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at New York Medical College and is a written examination editor for the American Board of Anesthesiology. Experienced physician, educator, and healthcare entrepreneur, Dr. Hosny, is committed to enhancing health equity and accessibility using information technology in an era of rapid healthcare transformation while upholding the highest medical care standards.

More About Dr. Hosny

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160