MEDIAL BRANCH NERVE BLOCK: Is it for me?

> Will the procedure help me?
If the pain is originating mostly from the facet joints, you should benefit from this procedure on a temporary basis. Some do get a “placebo response” and others may get a “False-Positive” response. Please remember that these are diagnostic injections only and last only for a few hours. These are done to determine if the pain is coming from the facet joints or not, and if the pain is coming from the facet joints, we will recommend “Radio-Frequency Lesioning” – which will “numb” the same nerves for many weeks to months.

> What are the risks and side effects?
Generally speaking, this procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects, and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is pain – which is temporary. The other risks involve, infection, bleeding, worsening of symptoms, spinal block, epidural block etc. Fortunately, the serious side effects and complications are uncommon.

> Who should not have this injection?
If you are allergic to any of the medications to be injected, if you are on a blood thinning medication (e.g. Plavix®,Coumadin®), or if you have an active infection going on, you should not have the injection.