Medial Branch Block (MBB)
The medial branch nerve is the nerve that innervates the facet joints in the spine. There is a medial branch nerve at each level of the spine. When patients have arthritis of the facet joints, blocking this nerve or neurotomy of the nerve can make the patient not feel the arthritis as well.
The medial branch block is most commonly used as a diagnostic tool to figure out if facet joint arthritis is contributing to a patient’s back pain.
How Does It Work?
A medial branch block is carried out under fluoroscopic guidance. A physician uses bony landmarks to place a needle in close proximity of the nerve and then a medication, usually bupivacaine, is injected.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
A medial branch block is used to treat facet joint arthritis, also known as spondylosis or facet arthropathy. It is most commonly used as a diagnostic tool to see if a patient is a candidate for radiofrequency neurotomy of the medial branch nerve.
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.