A medial branch block is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure commonly used to identify and Dr. Tushar's clinic pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae, and when they become a source of pain, a medial branch block can help diagnose and manage the condition.

Procedure Overview:

• Patient Positioning: The patient is positioned comfortably on their stomach or side, depending on the area being injected.
• Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin and tissues around the injection site.
• Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), the physician guides a thin needle towards the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints.
• Injection: Once the needle is positioned accurately, a mixture of local anesthetic, and sometimes a corticosteroid medication, is injected near the medial branch nerves.
• Pain Relief Assessment: The patient is monitored for a short period to see if the injection offers temporary pain relief.

Indications:

• Facet Joint Pain: To target pain suspected to be originating from the facet joints in the back or neck.
• Diagnostic Tool: To help confirm if the facet joints are the source of pain before considering more invasive treatments.

• Benefits:
• Diagnostic Precision: Medial branch blocks help identify the specific nerves transmitting pain signals from the facet joints, aiding in accurate diagnosis.
• Temporary Pain Relief: The procedure can provide temporary pain relief, helping to confirm whether the facet joints are the source of pain.
• Considerations:
• Temporary Discomfort: The injection may cause temporary discomfort at the injection site, but this is usually well-tolerated by most patients.
• Short-Term Relief: While the procedure can offer temporary pain relief, it may not be a long-term solution for chronic pain. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to discuss a comprehensive treatment plan for long-term management.

Post-Procedure:
Patients may experience temporary relief from pain due to the local anaesthetic.
Rest and limited activity are typically recommended for a short period.

Medical branch blocks are commonly performed by pain management specialists, such as Dr. Tushar, and are an essential step in diagnosing and managing facet joint-related pain.

The information obtained from the procedure can guide further treatment decisions, including the consideration of more long-term solutions like radiofrequency ablation for sustained pain relief. As with any medical procedure, individuals considering a medical branch block should discuss their specific situation with Dr. Tushar and address any questions or concerns they may have.