Chronic back pain can feel like an exhausting cycle of flare-ups, stiffness, and limited mobility that disrupts your daily life. What’s your next step when over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes fail to provide lasting relief?
Addressing pain with advanced, compassionate treatment is our mission at Pain Care. We’re a premier, multidisciplinary pain management practice with multiple locations in Metro Atlanta.
When your chronic back pain is due to irritation or inflammation in the facet joints — small joints along the spine that provide stability and flexibility — our team may recommend a medial branch block (MBB).
Here’s why we may recommend an MBB for chronic back pain and what you can expect from this minimally invasive, in-office injection.
Facet joints connect the vertically stacked bones (vertebrae) in the spine. These tiny, hinge-like structures allow you to bend and twist while preventing the spine from moving too far when you lean forward, backward, or sideways.
Like any joint, the facets are vulnerable to injury through trauma, overuse, or arthritic changes. This can cause pain in the affected area.
Often, however, because of limited space in the spinal region, nearby nerves also become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to pain that travels up or down the spine, which makes it difficult to isolate the cause of your back pain.
Facet joint problems can occur anywhere along the spine, but are most common in the most mobile portions: the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). Our team may recommend a medial branch block (MBB) to relieve pain and determine whether the facet joints are the true source of your pain.
During a medial branch block, your Pain Care provider injects a small amount of anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, near the medial branch nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints.
If your pain significantly decreases, it strongly suggests the facet joints are involved. This not only brings initial relief but also helps your pain specialist create a personalized long-term plan.
Depending on the nature and severity of your symptoms, our team may recommend more advanced treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for longer-lasting improvement.
One of the main benefits of an MBB is its minimally invasive nature. The in-office procedure typically takes under 20 minutes and requires no incisions. We use advanced imaging technology to ensure the injection reaches the targeted area.
Most patients can return home shortly after, resuming regular activities on the same day. Because the technique targets pain at its source rather than masking symptoms, many individuals experience meaningful short-term relief even during the diagnostic phase.
Medial branch blocks are often recommended for patients who have struggled with chronic back pain for three months or longer, especially when physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or other conservative therapies haven’t provided sufficient relief.
However, for individuals with degenerative disc disease, spine arthritis, or pain worsened by twisting or extension, an MBB can be an invaluable tool for confirming the diagnosis and developing long-term solutions.
For instance, if you experience significant pain reduction after the injection, you may be an ideal candidate for radiofrequency ablation. This outpatient, injection-like procedure uses heat to interrupt pain signals for up to 18 months.
This stepwise approach ensures you receive targeted, effective, and personalized care based on clear diagnostic evidence.
Before recommending a medial branch block, your Pain Care provider will review your medical history, current medications, and imaging studies to ensure an MBB is appropriate for your condition.
Medial branch blocks are generally safe, with minimal risks. Mild soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect, and complications are rare when performed by an experienced pain specialist.
If chronic back pain has taken control of your daily routine, a medial branch block may be the key to understanding — and treating — your pain at its source. Schedule a visit by calling Pain Care today.
