Medial Branch Block (Cervical)

This is an injection of numbing medicine that bathes the medial branch nerves. These nerves are attached to the facet joints of the spine. Disease or
injury of these joints can cause pain in the medial branch nerves. This pain may travel through the neck, shoulders, upper back and head. A medial
branch block can help your physician find the source of your pain. It may also provide temporary pain relief.

When the procedure is complete, you will be monitored for a brief time and then allowed to go home. A medial branch block may relieve your pain for the next few hours. You may be asked to keep track of your pain level as the medicine wears off. If the block was successful, your physician may recommend a procedure called radiofrequency ablation. This can provide more permanent pain relief.