Lumbar Medial Branch Block

Lumbar medial branch blocks are most often used as a way for medical professionals to diagnose nerve conditions by determining the specific source and location of the pain. In addition, by using a combination of local anaesthesia and anti-inflammatory medication, lumbar medial branch block injections can also be used as a way to relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation, and support repair of damaged nerves.

A lumbar medial branch block is typically performed as an outpatient medical procedure. In some cases, even though the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, your doctor may inject a low dose sedative prior to starting the procedure. Prior to administering the lumbar medial branch block, your doctor will also use a local anaesthetic as a numbing agent.
 
Using a fluoroscopy or an ultrasound, your doctor will guide a small needle to the affected lumbar facet joint before administering the dose of medication to the exact source of pain. Since facet joints are supplied by 2 medial branch nerves, your doctor will likely administer two branch block injections to each facet joint requiring treatment.

Lumbar medial branch blocks are considered safe, low-risk procedures; however, as with any medical procedure, there is the slight risk of temporary side effects and/or complications, including infection as the site of injection and soreness at injection site.

Pain relief associated with lumbar medial branch block is very effective and can last anywhere between a few days to several weeks; the degree of pain relief is different for each patient and often varies based on the severity of condition; some patients experience pain relief after the first injection, others require multiple lumbar medial branch block injections to relieve nerve pain and discomfort.