A Thoracic Medial Branch Block (MBB) is a procedure designed to diagnose and alleviate pain in the mid-back area, typically caused by problems in the thoracic facet joints. Conditions that may benefit from this procedure include:
- Thoracic facet arthritis
- Degenerative conditions
- Facet joint syndrome
- Injury to the mid-back
The medial branch nerves are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. By injecting an anesthetic near these nerves, the procedure helps determine whether the facet joints are the source of your pain.
How Does It Help?
- Diagnostic: By numbing the medial branch nerves, your doctor can identify whether the thoracic facet joints are responsible for your mid-back pain.
- Therapeutic: You may experience short-term pain relief, helping you regain function and mobility.
Steps of Administering a Thoracic Medial Branch Block
- Preparation:
- You will lie on your stomach, and the area over your mid-back will be cleaned and sterilized.
- A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance:
- Your doctor will use fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) to guide a needle to the medial branch nerves located near the thoracic facet joints.
- Injection:
- A small amount of anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected to block the pain signals from the medial branch nerves.
- Monitoring:
- After the injection, you will be observed for 15-30 minutes to monitor any immediate pain relief and ensure your safety.
When Can You Go Home?
- You can go home 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
- It is recommended to have someone drive you home due to the temporary effects of the anesthetic.
- Light activities may be resumed the next day, with instructions to avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
How Many Blocks Are Needed?
Typically, 1 to 3 injections are performed. The first is diagnostic, helping to confirm that the facet joints are the pain source.
- Initial Relief: The relief may last for hours or days, but it provides key diagnostic information.
- Long-term Treatment: If the block is successful, more permanent treatments like radiofrequency ablation may be recommended to provide long-lasting relief.
Final Thoughts
A thoracic medial branch block is an essential tool for identifying the cause of mid-back pain and providing short-term relief. If the procedure confirms that your facet joints are the pain source, further treatments can be pursued for more durable pain management.
For additional details, feel free to contact our office.