Medial Branch Nerve Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation of the Medial Branch Nerves

Back or neck pain may be due to pain coming from the facet joints in your spine. If so, medial branch nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerves may be an option to help relieve your pain. The medial branch nerve block is a diagnostic procedure to assess whether the radiofrequency ablation of the medial branch nerve has a chance to provide longer lasting pain relief. What are medial branch nerves? Each vertebra in your spine has facets (flat surfaces). They touch where the vertebrae fit together. This forms a facet joint. Each facet joint has at least two medial branch nerves. They are part of the nerve pathway to and from each facet joint. A facet joint in your back or neck can become inflamed (swollen and irritated). Pain messages may then travel along the nerve pathway from the facet joint to your brain. Medial branch nerves in each facet joint send and carry messages about back or neck pain. How does radiofrequency ablation work? Destroying a few of your medial branch nerves can keep certain pain messages from reaching your brain. This can help bring you relief. The relief typically lasts for 6 to 12 months but can last years. Possible risks and complications are rare, but can include: Infection Increased pain, numbness or weakness Nerve damage Bleeding Failure to relieve pain