A diagnostic test that determines or confirms whether the facet joint is the source of your pain
The results help your physician plan for a long-term treatment approach
The medial branch nerves provide the sensation to the facet joints. A medial branch block is used in patients who obtain good, but only temporary relief from facet joint injection.
The procedure is done by temporarily interrupting the pain signal carried by these nerves. If you experience pain relief after this procedure, you may be a candidate for a radiofrequency neurotomy, which is a long-term solution to this kind of discomfort.