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Medial Nerve Branch Block

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What Is A Medial Nerve Branch Block?

The medial nerve branch block is a procedure we perform regularly for neck and back pain. The medial nerve passes through facet joints and serves these joints. Sometimes one could get a whiplash injury from an accident and the resulting pain may fail to resolve with oral medications and physical therapy.

The procedure can be diagnostic or curative. The diagnostic aspect allows us to confirm whether the facet joint is the source of the pain. If a long-acting anesthetic is introduced to the site and it provides considerable relief, it might be indicative of the pain source.

The procedure can be diagnostic or curative. The diagnostic aspect allows us to confirm whether the facet joint is the source of the pain. If a long-acting anesthetic is introduced to the site and it provides considerable relief, it might be indicative of the pain source.

Why Would I Need A Medial Nerve Branch Block?

You would need a medial nerve branch block if you are experiencing acute or chronic back pain resulting from inflamed facet joints. This could be the result of a whiplash from an accident or arthritis. This procedure could provide insight into the source of the pain you’re experiencing or provide lasting relief in some cases.

Are Medial Nerve Block Treatments Effective And Safe?

Yes, they are. Our team of experienced physicians knows the ins and outs of this procedure. Therefore, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. Most people experience an improvement in their symptoms in a day or two. For diagnostic treatments, the local anesthetic wears off after a few days and the pain may return. This might require a repeat dose or a more permanent treatment. However, when anti-inflammatory medications are administered, the results are usually long-lasting. The procedure is monitored under fluoroscopy so we might need to inject contrast media. This helps us to identify the injection site and deliver the medication safely.

What Are The Risks Associated With A Medial Nerve Block?

You could experience some minor side effects such as pain at the site of injection. Diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal side effects have also been reported. These side effects of medial nerve branch blocks resolve by themselves with rest.

Serious complications that could result include bleeding, bruising, infections, weakness, and/or numbness in the legs. You should take note of any fever, headaches, or numbness following the procedure as this points to a need for emergency care.

Finally, some patients may react to the contrast media or the anti-inflammatory medication used. They could experience skin rashes and flushing. This will be handled appropriately. This can also be prevented by taking into account drug and food allergies during consultations.

How Do I Prepare For A Medial Nerve Block?

The procedure will be completed in under an hour. However, you will first be attended to by the nurses who will take your vital signs and administer calming medications through an IV line. You can come along with a book or some music to keep you engaged during this phase.

You might want to consider speaking to a friend or relative to drive you to and from the clinic as you should not be driving for the next 24 hours. Adequate rest is needed before and after the procedure to facilitate the healing and results.

The relief you will get from the medial nerve block should be long-lasting if the pain is as a result of inflammation caused by an accident. If the pain returns too quickly, your physician might discuss other treatment options with you.

Speak With Our Qualified Professionals

The Advanced Medical Treatment Centre provides top-quality emergency care for trauma and accident cases. We have a team committed to improving the health and wellness of our patients through excellent diagnosis and management. We offer a range of services that provide relief from lumbar radiculopathy. To speak to one of our qualified professionals about one of these, book a consultation today!