Medial Branch Blocks/ Facet Injections

Medial branch blocks and facet injections are frequently recommended by Global Pain Solutions for patients struggling with back or neck pain. These treatments involve carefully placed injections around the facet joints of the spine, aiming to alleviate inflammation and discomfort linked to arthritis or injury. Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections are just a few of the many options provided by Global Pain Solutions to help manage pain stemming from a variety of spinal and joint conditions.

Pain Relief Through Precision Injections

Facet joints support movement and stability in the spine, connecting each vertebra. These joints can become inflamed or painful from arthritis, mechanical strain, or injuries to the back or neck. During a facet block, a mix of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected directly into the affected joint, while the medial branch block targets the medial branch nerves just outside the joint. Most patients experience fast pain relief, improved function, and a reduced reliance on pain medication after these injections. If you’re interested in exploring pain management solutions, contact at 602-610-7299 or book an appointment online.

Conditions Addressed by Medial Branch Blocks and Facet Injections

These injection therapies help address many spinal and nerve pain conditions, including:
  • Lumbar degenerative disc disease
  • Axial back pain
  • Facet arthropathy (arthritis)
  • Cervical degenerative disc disease
  • Facet arthritis
  • Spondylosis
  • Spinal arthritis
  • Facet syndrome

Understanding Facet Joint Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammatory joint pain, which in the case of the spine, often targets the facet joints. With over 100 different types—such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia, and gout. All forms cause pain in their unique ways. Facet joints are lined with cartilage for smooth movement, but inflammation causes this cartilage to wear away, resulting in pain and limited mobility. The term “facet joint arthritis” may also be referred to as facet joint arthrosis, arthropathy, spondylosis, or simply, facet arthritis.

Medial Branch Block: Procedure and Benefits

Medial branch block injections not only relieve pain but are also a useful diagnostic method to determine which nerves are the pain source. Here’s how they work:
  • Injection disrupts the medial branch nerve signals from the facet joints
  • The mixture of anesthetic and steroid reduces inflammation and blocks pain temporarily
  • If short-term (70–80%) pain relief is achieved, patients may be candidates for radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief
  • X-ray guidance ensures precision placement
  • Outpatient procedure with relief typically lasting a few hours
  • Acts as an indicator for suitability for more advanced procedures like radiofrequency ablation

Facet Joint Injection: Procedure and Benefits

Facet joint injections are minimally invasive treatments used to target inflamed or arthritic joints in the spine. The process involves inserting a small needle into the facet joint and delivering a combination of steroid (to reduce inflammation) and anesthetic (to numb the area). Using live imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or X-ray), the medicine is accurately delivered for maximum benefit.
  • Facet injection numbs the joint for substantial pain relief
  • Reduces swelling, irritation, and restores range of motion
  • Quick office procedure (typically under 30 minutes)
  • Extended relief lasting from several months up to a year and a half for some patients
Patients treated by Global Pain Solutions often experience improved mobility, less pain, and a reduction in medication need after these effective, targeted injections.