During this procedure, an anesthetic is injected over the medial branch nerve, which temporarily stops the transmission of pain signals from the facet joint. The injection is done only to diagnose pain coming from a chronically irritated facet joint. If the injection temporarily lessens your neck pain or headache, then the doctor can be certain that the intended joint is the one causing the majority of your pain.
https://www.thecoreinstitute.com/patient-and-visitor-information/core-patient-education/spine/cervical-medial-branch-blocks-for-chronic-neck-pain-a-headaches.html
A facet block is an injection of local anesthetic and steroid into a joint in the spine. A medial branch block is similar but the medication is placed outside the joint space near the nerve that supplies the joint called the medial branch (steroid may or may not be used).
http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/anesthesiology/Pain/Patients/blocks1.aspx
Facet joints are found on both sides of the spine. Each is about the size of a thumbnail. Cervical facet joints are named for the vertebrae they connect and the side of the spine where they are found. The right C3-4 facet joint, for example, joins the 3rd and 4th vertebrae on the right side. Facet joints not only connect the vertebrae, but they also guide the spine during movement.
https://www.thecoreinstitute.com/patient-and-visitor-information/core-patient-education/spine/cervical-medial-branch-blocks-for-chronic-neck-pain-a-headaches.html
If an injection directly into the joint does not provide sustained relief, or your medical history precludes repeated steroid injections, a medial branch block can be performed. A medial branch block is an injection of local anesthetic near the two small nerves that feed a particular facet joint.
http://www.rcips.com/procedures/Facet-Joint-Injections-Medial-Branch-Blocks-Radiof.aspx
In a lumbar medial branch block, an anesthetic is injected near the medial. branch nerve. This stops the transmission of pain signals from the facet joint. If. this reduces your pain and helps you move your back like normal, it may tell. the doctor which facet joint is causing the pain.
http://www.sportsmedalabama.com/pdf/lumbar_medial_branch_block.pdf
Facet blocks and medial branch blocks are typically ordered for patients who have pain primarily in their back coming from arthritic changes in the facet joints or for mechanical low back pain. A facet block or medial branch block may be therapeutic and/or diagnostic. One of three things may happen. 1. The pain does not go away - which means that the pain is probably not coming from the blocked facet joints - this has diagnostic value.
http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/anesthesiology/Pain/Patients/blocks1.aspx
A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection. The goal of the injection is to temporarily numb the facet joint to see if it is the source of your pain. If you experience pain relief immediately following the procedure, your physician is assured that one or more facet joints are causing your pain.
http://centerforpainfargo.com/procedures/medial-branch-blocks/
What is Medial Branch block? Medial branch block is an injection of a local anesthetic (numbing medication) near a medial branch nerve. A medial branch nerve carries pain signals from the facet joint of the spine. The facet joints are located between the bones of your spine (vertebrae).
http://centerforpainfargo.com/procedures/medial-branch-blocks/
Lumbar mediaL branch bLock. For Chronic Low Back Pain. A lumbar medial branch block is an outpatient procedure for diagnosing. and treating low back, buttock, hip and groin pain. This information sheet will. explain what it is. Your doctor can explain if it is for you.
http://www.sportsmedalabama.com/pdf/lumbar_medial_branch_block.pdf
Side effects of Facet Joint Injections/Medial Branch Blocks/Radiofrequency are rare and your physician will discuss them with you. You will be asked to sign a written consent prior to the procedure. Please make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of any procedure prior to signing the consent form. All the above procedures are performed in our in-office fluoroscopy suite. X-ray is used for all facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency procedures. Intravenous sedation is typically not offered but a mild oral sedative may be offered, depending on your medical condition.
http://www.rcips.com/procedures/Facet-Joint-Injections-Medial-Branch-Blocks-Radiof.aspx
what is a medial branch block procedure
A medial branch block procedure is an injection of a local anesthetic near a medial branch nerve. A medial branch block procedure is an injection of a local anesthetic or numbing medication near a medial branch nerve.