Medial Branch Block

A medial branch block targets the small medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. By injecting a local anesthetic near these nerves, the procedure can confirm whether the facet joints are the source of your back or neck pain. Medial branch blocks are commonly used as a diagnostic step before radiofrequency ablation. If the block provides significant pain relief, it confirms the facet joints as the pain source, and radiofrequency ablation can then be performed for longer-lasting results.