Medial Branch Block (MBB)

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Understanding Back and Neck Pain

Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spine becomes compressed or inflamed, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness. It can affect both the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions, often causing distress but is typically treatable. The compression of the nerve can result from various factors, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes in the spine. Symptoms can radiate down the arms or legs, depending on the location of the affected nerve. While radiculopathy can cause significant discomfort, treatment options such as physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery, can help alleviate symptoms and improve mobility. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing the condition effectively.

Lumbar Radiculopathy

This condition results from nerve compression in the lower back, often due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Symptoms include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness radiating down the legs, commonly referred to as sciatica. Activities like bending, lifting, or twisting can aggravate the pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy involves nerve compression in the neck, often caused by herniated discs or bone spurs. Symptoms include neck pain, tingling or numbness radiating into the arms, hands, or fingers, and weakness in the arms or hands, which may affect motor skills or grip strength.

Symptoms

Pain: Sharp, burning, or stabbing pain radiating into the limbs.
Numbness: Pins and needles sensation or loss of sensation along the nerve path.
Weakness: Decreased strength in affected muscles, leading to difficulty with movements.
Reduced Reflexes: Diminished or absent reflexes in the affected limb.

Diagnosis
A physical examination helps identify muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory deficits. Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans pinpoint the source and location of compression, and electromyography (EMG) may further assess nerve and muscle function.

Why Choose Harmony Pain Management?

Personalized Care

Custom treatment plans tailored to your needs

Advanced Treatments

Safe, effective interventional pain solutions

Comprehensive Approach

Multi-modal therapies to restore function

Compassionate Expertise

Care led by Dr. Manjunath Shetty with empathy and professionalism

Full Support

Guidance through every step of your recovery and documentation

Support for Personal Injury Cases

We specialize in treating patients injured in auto accidents, workplace incidents, or other personal injury cases. Our team works closely with attorneys, insurance adjusters, and medical providers to ensure your treatment and documentation are handled with precision throughout your recovery process.

What is a Medial Branch Block?

Overview
A medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat pain from inflamed or degenerated facet joints in the spine. It involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes with a corticosteroid, near the medial branch nerves to temporarily block pain signals and confirm the pain source.

Procedure
The skin is sterilized and numbed. Using X-ray or CT guidance, a thin needle is placed near the targeted medial branch nerves, and the medication is injected. The anesthetic provides quick relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation over time. Patients are monitored briefly and can usually resume light activity within a day.

Benefits

Provides targeted pain relief for neck and back pain
Confirms whether facet joints are the pain source
Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
Improves mobility and supports physical therapy
Helps plan long-term treatments like radiofrequency ablation

Risks
Possible side effects include temporary soreness, infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, or rare nerve injury. These are uncommon when performed properly.

Effectiveness
Pain relief may begin immediately and last days to weeks. MBB is often used to determine if radiofrequency ablation could offer longer-lasting results.

Conclusion
Medial branch blocks are a safe, effective option for diagnosing and managing chronic facet joint pain, helping reduce discomfort and improve mobility while guiding future treatment.