Are you experiencing intense pain that is interfering with your regular activities?
This is a rather involved medical issue, but thankfully there is a way for you to deal with the pain that it causes. Doing so simply requires finding the right treatment for you.
If so, then read on, and we will walk you through what you need to know about medial branch block to help with treating pain.
Indications and Contraindications of Medial Branch Block
Medial branch block (MBB) is an interventional procedure used for treating pain management on spines. It is used to reduce pain caused by facet joint degeneration by injecting a steroid and anesthetic combination directly into the affected nerve.
There are indications and contraindications of MBB that must be taken into account before the procedure is done. Indications of MBB procedures include diagnosis of facet joint pain and spinal injury or trauma.
It can also be used in cases of degenerative diseases or conditions like osteoarthritis. Contraindications include untreated infections, blood clotting disorder, or any other condition that may increase the risk of a problem with the procedure.
Preparing for a Medial Branch Block
The preparation for a medial branch block is essential in order to make the procedure a success. Before performing a medial branch block, the patient should be adequately prepared.
This includes having a complete understanding of the procedure, knowing the risks of the procedure, and consulting with a medical provider for any other medical questions or concerns. The patient should also have all of their relevant medical records and imaging (such as an X-ray or MRI) so that the doctor may accurately identify the source of the patient’s pain.
Additionally, they should not eat anything for at least 8 hours before the medial branch block and stop taking blood thinners for at least 5 days before the procedure.
Medial Branch Block Procedure
A medial brand block procedure is a procedure done for those who suffer from lower back-related pain. It involves injecting a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication near the affected nerve or nerve roots.
The purpose of this procedure is to diagnose where the pain is originating, as well as to relieve the pain temporarily. It is also used to see if a more involved treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation, can help.
During the procedure, the doctor will use a fluoroscope or ultrasound to guide the placement of the needle. The patient should experience almost immediate relief after the injection.
What to Expect after a Medial Branch Block
During the procedure, a small amount of numbing medication is injected into the affected area of the patient’s spine. This numbing medication reduces inflammation and blocks pain signals from being sent to the brain.
Patients may experience short-term relief from their symptoms after receiving the block. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, and increased pain may also occur. Longer-term relief may be realized, but it typically takes multiple injections to achieve it.
Potential side effects of a medial branch block include temporary weakness of the affected area and localized soreness at the injection site.
Learn More About Medial Branch Block
The medial branch block is a procedure that may help to reduce back pain. It can provide temporary relief while being a relatively low-risk procedure. If you are experiencing chronic back pain, talk to your doctor about the effectiveness of the medial branch block and whether it could be an appropriate solution for you.
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