Medial Branch Blocks

A Non-Surgical Option for Upper Body Pain Relief in Atlanta, GA

Medial Branch Blocks: Relief for Upper Body Pain

Medial Branch Blocks are a type of nerve block injection that is used to diagnose and treat upper body pain caused by issues in the facet joints of the spine. This procedure involves injecting numbing medicine into the medial branch nerves, which can provide temporary relief for patients.

The most common symptoms are:

• Pain in the neck, shoulders, upper back or head
• Numbness or tingling in these areas
• Decreased range of motion in the affected area

While there is no cure for medial branch nerve pain, there are treatment options available to help manage symptoms. These may include:

• Medications such as anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strengthen muscles in the affected area
• Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain

The medial branch block procedure itself is relatively simple and typically takes less than 30 minutes. The procedure involves:

• The patient is positioned on their stomach or side, depending on which area of the spine is being targeted.
• The skin is cleaned and numbed.
• nerve blocks or injections
• Using X-ray guidance, a small needle is inserted near the affected medial branch nerve.
• A numbing medication and corticosteroid are injected into the nerve to help reduce inflammation and pain.
• The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and patients can typically resume normal activities shortly after.

If you're experiencing upper body pain, a medial branch block may be a helpful option to find relief and improve your quality of life. Our team at The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists in Atlanta, GA are here to help you understand your options and develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.

The procedure for a lumbar sympathetic block is as follows:

• The patient will be asked to lie on their stomach on a table.
• The area where the injection will take place will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Using fluoroscopic guidance, a needle will be inserted into the sympathetic nerves in the lower back region.
• A small amount of contrast dye may be injected to confirm proper needle placement.
• Once confirmed, the medication (usually a combination of anesthetic and steroid) will be injected into the sympathetic nerves.
• The needle is removed, and a bandage is placed on the injection site

The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and the patient may feel immediate relief or experience numbness in the lower back region. Some patients may require multiple injections for optimal pain relief.

If you are experiencing chronic lower back pain and have not found relief with other treatments, lumbar sympathetic block at The Physicians Spine & Rehabilitation Specialists may benefit you.

Schedule a consultation with our expert physicians today to take control of your chronic lower back pain and start living a more comfortable, pain-free life.