A Cervical Medial Branch Block (MBB) is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure aimed at addressing pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This pain is often related to:
- Cervical facet joint arthritis
- Facet joint syndrome
- Degenerative changes in the cervical spine
- Neck injuries
The medial branch nerves carry pain signals from the cervical facet joints to the brain. A cervical MBB involves injecting anesthetic near these nerves to block pain transmission temporarily. If the procedure successfully relieves your pain, it suggests that the facet joints are the likely cause.
How Does It Help?
- Diagnostic: If the anesthetic relieves your pain, it confirms that the cervical facet joints are the source of your discomfort.
• Therapeutic: The block can provide temporary relief, allowing you to regain neck mobility and function.
Steps of Administering a Cervical Medial Branch Block
- Preparation:
- You will lie on your stomach or sit in a comfortable position. The area around your neck will be cleaned and sterilized.
- A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area to minimize discomfort.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance:
- Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), the physician will insert a small needle to the medial branch nerves located near the cervical facet joints.
- Injection:
- A mixture of local anesthetic and possibly a small amount of steroid will be injected to block the pain signals from the nerves.
- Monitoring:
- After the injection, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes to assess the pain relief and ensure there are no immediate side effects.
When Can You Go Home?
- You can usually go home within 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home, as the anesthetic may cause temporary numbness or weakness in your neck or shoulders.
- Light activities may resume the following day, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for 24 hours.
How Many Blocks Are Needed?
Typically, 1 to 3 injections are performed over several weeks, depending on the results of the first block.
- Initial Relief: The relief from the first block may only last for hours or days, but it helps confirm that the facet joints are the cause of your pain.
- Further Treatment: If successful, long-term relief may be achieved through treatments like radiofrequency ablation.
Final Thoughts
A cervical medial branch block helps diagnose and treat neck pain caused by the facet joints. While the relief from this block is temporary, it provides valuable diagnostic information that can guide more permanent treatment options.
If you have any questions about the procedure or your recovery, please contact our office for further assistance.