Pinpoint the Source of Your Back Pain
Precision Diagnosis & Relief with Medial Branch Blocks
If chronic neck or lower back pain is disrupting your daily life, the cause may lie in the small nerves near your spine. Medial Branch Blocks offered at Kumar Medical Pain Management P.C. help identify and relieve pain coming from the facet joints of your spine — with accuracy and care.
What Are Medial Branch Blocks?
Medial Branch Blocks are minimally invasive injections used to diagnose and relieve pain coming from the facet joints, which are small joints located along the spine. These joints are surrounded by tiny nerves called medial branch nerves. When these nerves become irritated, they can send pain signals to the brain.
In a medial branch block, a small amount of numbing medication is injected near these nerves. If the pain goes away temporarily, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of the discomfort.
You might be a candidate for this procedure if you experience:
Chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain
Pain that worsens with twisting or bending
Limited movement or stiffness
Poor response to physical therapy or medications
How the Treatment Works
Here’s how the process typically goes:
01
Initial Consultation
Dr. Ashish Kumar will assess your symptoms and review imaging to determine if a medial branch block is right for you.
02
Guided Injection
Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), the needle is placed near the medial branch nerves.
03
Numbing Medication Delivered
A local anesthetic is injected to temporarily block the pain signals.
04
Response Observation
You’ll be monitored to see how much relief you experience. If the pain subsides, the facet joints are confirmed as the source.
05
Next Steps
Depending on results, Dr. Kumar may recommend follow-up treatments like a radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
Benefits of Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch blocks are highly valuable for both diagnosing and managing spine-related pain. These blocks help avoid unnecessary surgery by confirming whether the facet joints are truly the source of pain. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and provides almost immediate insight into your condition. If the block is successful, further treatment can be precisely targeted. In many cases, patients enjoy short-term relief, which allows them to participate more actively in rehabilitation or return to daily routines. For those seeking long-term relief, medial branch blocks can pave the way to more permanent treatments like radiofrequency nerve ablation, reducing or eliminating pain for months at a time.
Find the True Cause of Your Spine Pain with Precision
Say goodbye to guessing and hello to targeted care. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ashish Kumar to see if a Medial Branch Block is the right choice for you.