A medial nerve block is ideal for patients experiencing chronic neck or back pain associated with an injured or damaged nerve. Patients often experience immediate relief following a nerve block treatment, although results typically only last for a short period. If your condition improves with a nerve block, talk to your pain management specialist about a longer-lasting treatment to address your pain. Find out how Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates (MSSP) in Corinth provides medial branch block injections for pain relief and whether this treatment is right for you.
What is a medial branch block?
Medial branch blocks administer a numbing medication to the medial branch nerves, which are attached to the facet joints in the spine. If you have damaged or injured facet joints, pain is often inevitable. The main purpose of the nerve block is to determine if the treated nerve is the culprit of your pain. If you experience good results with a nerve block, meaning a significant improvement in your pain, then a longer lasting procedure may be recommended as nerve blocks are not meant to provide ongoing relief.
The Procedure
The procedure begins by administering a local anesthetic to the targeted area. The anesthetic numbs your skin and surrounding soft tissue to make receiving the injection a more comfortable experience.
Next, the pain management doctor in Corinth may use guided fluoroscopy to ensure precise placement of the thin needle into your nerve. The doctor uses a contrast dye to ensure the needle is in correct positioning.
The injection is then administered as the medicine is delivered into the medial nerve, causing a temporary numbing effect. If the targeted nerve is the source of your pain, you’ll experience pain relief instantly. It is possible that you may need a nerve block in more than one targeted area for the most effective results.
Before Your Procedure
Before determining if you are a candidate for a medial nerve block, pain specialists in Corinth at MSSP will review your medical history, as well as discuss details regarding your pain like how long you’ve experienced pain, how often pain occurs, and the severity of your discomfort. Additionally, the doctor will review your medication list to determine whether you need to stop taking specific medications before your procedure. You should plan on having a trusted individual drive you to your appointment and sit and wait while you receive your nerve block.
After Your Procedure
Medial branch blocks are an outpatient procedure, so you can go home after your appointment. However, our care team will observe you for a little while after your injection to ensure you have no adverse reactions to the medication. You’ll be able to walk afterward but will need a trusted individual to drive you home once the doctor clears you to leave. We recommend tracking your pain level as the anesthetic wears off. Report back to your pain management specialist to provide feedback and determine which long-lasting procedure will be most effective for you.
Risks and Complications
Risks and complications are rare when receiving medial nerve blocks, but may include pain, soreness, numbness, or bleeding or bruising at the injection site. Another potential yet rare risk is vasovagal reactions like a slow heart rate, sweating, or dizziness. Some patients report a condition called “steroid flare”, which temporarily results in flushing, headache, and increased discomfort at the injection site.
Medial Nerve Block for Pain Management in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
If you experience chronic pain in your neck or back that has not responded well to other more conservative treatments, then a medial nerve block may be right for you. To learn more about this procedure or find out if you are a candidate, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates by calling (662) 284-8565.