Medical Branch Blocks

About Medial Branch Blocks

Facet joints are small joints on either side of each vertebra in the spinal column that allow us to bend forward and backward. A medial branch nerve block temporarily interrupts the pain signal to a specific facet joint. In most cases, a set of two medial branch nerve blocks will be scheduled. The diagnostic blocks help to find out whether the facet joints are the cause of the back pain. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

How is the procedure performed and what should I expect?

The procedure is done using fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance). A local anesthetic is injected into the skin and deeper tissues prior to placement of the needles for the block. The procedure is done for diagnostic purposes, which means to determine the source of your pain. If the source of your pain is from these joints, you should have pain relief for a period of 2-6 hours depending on what medication was used. If pain relief is substantial after the block, this will help in determining the next step of treatment. Contact Zion Medical today.

Schedule Consultation

Port Orange Clinic

Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Phone: (386) 317-5149
Fax: (386) 492-7348
870 Dunlawton Ave., Suite 109, Port Orange
Hours: Mon – Thu | 8:30 am – 5 pm
Hours: Friday | 8:00 am – 4 pm

Palm Coast Clinic

Orthopedics & Neurosurgery

Phone: (888) 997-3952
Fax: (386) 492-7348
9 Pine Cone Drive, Suite 104A, Palm Coast
Hours: Mon – Thu | 8:30 am – 5 pm
Hours: Friday | 8:00 am – 4 pm

: Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
: Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
: Orthopedic surgeons treat a variety of conditions, such as auto accident fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, scoliosis, and osteoporosis.
: Interventional pain management is a medical specialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat chronic pain. Procedures include epidurals, medial branch blocks, and radio frequency ablation.
: You may schedule an appointment by phone, by calling our Port Orange office at (386) 317-5149, or our Palm Coast office at (888) 997-3952.
: Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of any medications you are currently taking, any relevant medical records, and any questions you may have for your doctor.
: During your first visit, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs. Your doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with you and answer any questions you may have.
: The length of an appointment varies depending on the nature of the visit. A routine follow-up appointment may only last 15-20 minutes, while a consultation or evaluation may take an hour or more.
: Interventional pain management specialists treat a variety of pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, nerve pain, and chronic headaches.
: It depends on your insurance provider and specific policy. Some insurance plans require a referral from a primary care physician, while others allow patients to self-refer. Please check with your insurance provider for details.

Brenda Hall

The staff and doctor have greatly helped my condition. They love what they do and it shows. Keep shining because the world always needs care, and you are the best!

Nick Cangemi

Went to Zion Medical for a knee injury, which turned out to be a torn ACL. The amazing doctors and staff were able to successfully surgically repair my ACL, and I was back on the pickleball courts faster than initially assumed! I would never recommend another orthopedist before Dr. McGraw!

Brittany Hodges

Got a shot in my back yesterday by Dr Thomas. Was not ready for or expecting this weird uncomfortable sensation the shot gave, but putting my trust in him, I am feeling like a million bucks today!!! Thanks to everyone there for a quick comfortable visit and finally some real relief