Cervical Medial Branch Block

What is medial branch?

Medial branch is the nerve that supplies the cervical facet joint

What will be patients complaints?

Cervical facet joint arthropathy or cervicogenic and suboccipital headaches, whiplash injuries.

What is its role?

This nerve will carry the pain signals from the facet joint which has undergone arthritis changes.

How is the procedure done?

This procedure is done in operation theater under the effect of local anesthesia. Under fluoroscopic guidance the affected facet joint and medial branch is identified and medicines are given.

How long the procedure will take?

The procedure will take 15- 20 minutes and then patient will be kept under observation for two hours and then discharged.

What are the post intervention recommendations?

Post procedure patient is advised to follow all the exercises and medicines as prescribed by the doctor.

Will this give permanent relief?

This procedure may or may not give permanent relief. Other alternatives like radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch can be done if pain recurs.