What Is a Medial Branch Block? Understanding the Basics

Chronic back or neck pain can interfere with nearly every aspect of daily life. For patients who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments, a medial branch block may offer both diagnostic insights and effective pain relief. At Reno Tahoe Pain Associates in Reno, NV, Dr. Ali Nairizi, Dr. Nicholas Carlevato, and Dr. Andrew Wesely provide this advanced pain management procedure to help patients find lasting solutions for spine-related discomfort.

What Is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, tiny nerves that carry pain signals from the spine’s facet joints to the brain. This quick, targeted procedure is used to help pinpoint whether those joints are actually what’s causing your back pain. If the pain eases after the injection, it’s a strong sign that the facet joints are the source.

How Does a Medial Branch Block Work?

This procedure plays a dual role; it helps both identify the source of pain and, in some cases, relieve it. If the injection brings noticeable relief, it points to the facet joints as the likely culprit. While the effects may not last long, they offer useful insight for planning the next phase of care. Sometimes, follow-up treatments like repeat injections or radiofrequency ablation are recommended for longer-lasting results.

Conditions Treated with a Medial Branch Block

A medial branch block is most often used for patients with:

• Facet joint syndrome
• Spinal arthritis (spondylosis)
• Chronic neck or lower back pain
• Pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy or medications

It’s typically recommended when imaging or clinical exams point to facet joints as the pain source.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is typically done in the office and takes around 30 minutes. After numbing the area, the doctor uses real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to carefully position a small needle near the targeted nerves. Once the anesthetic is injected, you'll be monitored for a short time. Many people feel pain relief within minutes. There’s no required downtime, so you can head home the same day.

Why Choose Reno Tahoe Pain Associates for Your Medial Branch Block Treatment?

At Reno Tahoe Pain Associates, each patient receives customized care from a team with deep expertise in interventional pain management. Dr. Ali Nairizi, Dr. Nicholas Carlevato, and Dr. Andrew Wesely specialize in procedures like medial branch blocks and work closely with patients to find the most effective path to relief. Their compassionate, multidisciplinary approach ensures your care is both advanced and personal.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain and think a medial branch block may be right for you, call (775) 384-1127 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ali Nairizi, Dr. Nicholas Carlevato, or Dr. Andrew Wesely at Reno Tahoe Pain Associates in Reno, NV.