Suffering from back pain may be common but that doesn’t make it less difficult to live with. However, most people are understandably nervous about surgical procedures that could help, after all, the spine is a delicate structure and in charge of very important functions.
The good news is that modern medicine offers cutting-edge treatments that don’t require you to go through that: the medial branch nerve block. Delivered as an injection, this procedure requires no surgery at all and can provide temporary and long-term pain relief for lumbar, thoracic and cervical back pain. You can get them in New Jersey at University Pain and Spine Center at the hands of a specialized board-certified staff that always puts the patients first.
What Is a Medial Branch Nerve Block?
Medial branch nerve blocks are a type of treatment for back pain that originates not from between the vertebrae but from the facet joints: small unions towards the outer part of the spine that provide stability and the ability to lean in any direction. That’s why they are also known as facet blocks.
They work by injecting a local anesthetic substance into the pain origin spot in the spine, blocking the nerve endings that go through those joints from sending pain signals into the brain.
Research shows that the medial branch nerve block is a highly effective treatment for people with chronic back pain, with minimal risks when performed by an expert. It can also aid people recovering from an injury who need to go through physical therapy, allowing better range of movement.
However, facet blocks can also have a diagnostic purpose. By numbing the nerves and monitoring how the pain progresses, a doctor can tell the true origin of the pain and provide the treatment that can better help the patient.
How Do I Know If a Facet Block Is Right For Me?
For temporary injuries, some people who get told to do physical therapy are reluctant because of how much pain movement causes them. And while it’s true that the longer you commit to the recovery routine the better things get, you can discuss some pain relief options like a facet block to lessen the strain.
On the chronic side of things, several conditions can significantly benefit from a medial branch nerve block. Of course, the ideal is to first discuss with your doctor or with a pain specialist what your expectations are so that you know the results will provide what you are looking for.
A medial branch nerve block is an excellent alternative for people who don’t wish to go through surgery, whether it’s because of other existing conditions that make surgery riskier or simply out of personal choice.
What Conditions Can it Treat?
But let’s discuss what you can actually treat with this procedure. Not every condition will benefit from it, but here is a list of the illnesses that most benefit from a facet block:
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disk disease
- Spinal injury
The injection should take effect for a few weeks of months depending on what type of medication is used to numb the nerve.
Read more: Radiofrequency Ablation
Advantages of Non-surgical Back Pain Relief
Opting for a non-surgical treatment can come with unexpected benefits. For one, the procedure is easier on the body, so the recovery process takes less time and creates less pain than some more invasive surgeries.
For people who have other chronic illnesses to consider, the medial branch nerve block can be safer. Going under general anesthesia is highly dangerous for many, and the injection requires no major sedation, relieving that contraindication.
At the same time, immunocompromised people get a double benefit: no surgery means lower risk for infection, and not needing to stay overnight for monitoring decreases exposure to the hospital environment.
Where to Get a Medial Branch Nerve Block in New Jersey
If you are seeking a non-surgical option to treat back pain in New Jersey, University Pain and Spine Center can provide a medial branch nerve block. Our clinic has multiple locations and each of them has incredible medical staff that is ready to tend to your needs. We put our patients’ first and try to find a treatment plan that helps them regain mobility, and a painless life.
Our board-certified pain specialists Dr. Demesmin and Dr. O’Donovan are highly trained professionals that can do the procedure with the highest standards of care. If you are suffering from back pain and a medial branch nerve block sounds like something worth exploring, don’t hesitate to contact us.
