What is a Medial Branch Block and how does it work?

A Medial Branch Block is a minimally invasive procedure where a local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves of the spine. This blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, helping to diagnose the source of chronic back pain and provide temporary relief.

Who is a Medial branch block suitable for?

This procedure is recommended for people who suffer from chronic neck or back pain, often due to osteoarthritis or facet joint problems, and who have not been relieved by other non surgical treatments.

Is the Medial Branch Block procedure safe?

Yes, Medial Branch Blocks are considered safe when performed by experienced specialists. Complications are rare and most patients tolerate the procedure very well, experiencing minimal side effects.

Are there risks or side effects?

MBBs are safe when performed by qualified specialists; minor risks include temporary discomfort, bruising, or rare allergic reactions. Serious complications are uncommon.

How is this different from a facet joint injection?

MBB targets the nerves outside the joint to test pain origin, while a facet injection delivers medication directly into the joint to reduce inflammation. Both are used at GTOA, often sequentially, for comprehensive care.

How long does pain relief from a Medial Branch Block last?

Pain relief varies by patient. Some experience relief for several weeks to a few months. For some patients, this procedure also helps doctors determine if more long-term treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, might be beneficial.

Will insurance or a medical lien cover the procedure?

Many insurers cover MBBs when medically indicated. For personal injury clients without insurance, we offer lien-based treatment and delay payment until your case resolves.

In which cities does GTOA offer Medial Branch Block services?

GTOA provides Medial Branch Block treatments in the following Texas cities: Arlington, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont. You can schedule an appointment at the location that is most convenient for you.

Medial Branch Blocks in Texas

Medial Branch Blocks (MBB) are targeted diagnostic injections that relieve spine pain and confirm whether your facet joints are the source of discomfort. At Greater Texas Orthopedic Associates (GTOA), our board-certified specialists perform MBB procedures for patients across Texas, including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Beaumont, Arlington and Corpus Christi. Whether you are seeking a path to long-term relief or a definitive diagnosis for a personal injury case, we provide the clarity and care you deserve.

✅ The “Gold Standard” Diagnostic: Precisely identifying the nerves responsible for facet joint pain.

✅ Streamlined Legal Support: We accept LOPs and provide the objective medical evidence needed for RFA approval.

✅ Fast & Minimally Invasive: A quick outpatient procedure with zero downtime and immediate feedback.

✅ Statewide Excellence: Accessible care at premier facilities across the entire state of Texas.

Medial Branch Blocks as Objective Evidence in PI Cases

In the complex landscape of spinal injury claims, subjective pain reports are often challenged by insurance adjusters. A Medial Branch Block (MBB) provides the objective, diagnostic evidence required to validate a client’s symptoms. we understand that an MBB is a pivotal procedural step that not only guides treatment but also establishes a clear medical-legal roadmap for your case.

The Gateway to RFA Authorization

Most insurance carriers and defense experts require successful MBB results before authorizing more permanent solutions like Radiofrequency Ablation. We provide the precise documentation needed to clear this hurdle.

Objective Diagnostic Correlation

By temporarily "turning off" the medial branch nerves, we provide a clinical "Yes/No" answer to the origin of the pain. This correlation is powerful evidence during depositions and settlements.

Reliable LOP Partnership

We eliminate the financial barrier for accident victims. GTOA works seamlessly on a Letter of Protection (LOP) basis, ensuring your clients get tested and treated without delay.

Specialized Reporting for Attorneys

Our reports are written with litigation in mind clear, detailed, and delivered promptly to ensure your demand packages are never waiting on medical records.

Turning Subjective Pain into Objective Evidence

We don't just perform a procedure; we validate a diagnosis. By choosing us for your client’s Medial Branch Blocks in Texas, you are ensuring that their injury is documented with the clinical rigor necessary to withstand scrutiny and maximize recovery.

Understanding Medial Branch Blocks (MBB)

If you are suffering from persistent back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, a Medial Branch Block is a critical diagnostic step. This procedure involves injecting a small amount of numbing medication (anesthetic) near the medial branch nerves the tiny nerves that carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain.

What Conditions Does an MBB Help Diagnose?

We use this targeted diagnostic tool to confirm if your pain is originating from the spinal facet joints, which is common after car accidents or sports-related trauma:

✅ Facet Joint Syndrome: Confirming if inflammation in the spinal joints is the primary source of your aching.

✅ Post-Traumatic Spinal Pain: Identifying nerve involvement following a “whiplash” or high-impact collision.

✅ Chronic Back & Neck Stiffness: Determining if your limited range of motion is linked to specific nerve branches.

✅ RFA Candidacy: Serving as the mandatory “test run” to see if you are a candidate for long-term Radiofrequency Ablation.

Targeted Diagnostic Areas

A Medial Branch Block is not a generic treatment; it is a precision-targeted diagnostic test tailored to the specific region of your spinal injury. At GTOA, we categorize these blocks based on where your symptoms originate to ensure the highest diagnostic accuracy.

1. Cervical Medial Branch Blocks (Neck)

Injuries to the cervical spine are the most common result of “whiplash” in rear-end collisions. If your facet joints in the neck are damaged, you may experience:

Chronic Headaches: Often originating from the upper cervical nerves.
Radiating Shoulder Pain: Discomfort that spreads from the neck to the upper back.
Limited Rotation: Difficulty turning your head to check blind spots or during daily tasks.

2. Thoracic Medial Branch Blocks (Mid-Back)

The thoracic spine (T1-T12) is often affected by direct impact or rotational trauma. Thoracic blocks are used to diagnose:

Localized Mid-Back Aches: Pain that feels like it’s “stuck” between the shoulder blades.
Pain with Deep Breaths: When spinal joint inflammation makes chest expansion uncomfortable.
Twisting Discomfort: Sharp pain when rotating the torso.

3. Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks (Lower Back)

The lumbar region (L1-L5) bears the body’s weight and is frequently injured in heavy impact accidents. These blocks are essential for patients suffering from:

Lower Back Stiffness: Pain that worsens when standing for long periods or leaning backward.
Localized Aching: Discomfort that stays in the lower back and doesn’t necessarily travel down the legs (unlike sciatica).
Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Managing inflammation in the lower vertebrae following a spinal jar or jolt.

From Block to Long-Term Relief

A Medial Branch Block is more than just a temporary numbing procedure; it is a vital “test-run” for your recovery. The results of this procedure act as a roadmap, telling our specialists and your insurance carrier exactly how to proceed with your treatment.

The Immediate Results (The First 6 Hours)

The most important part of the MBB happens shortly after you leave our clinic. We provide you with a “Pain Diary” to track your relief.

🟢 Positive Result: If you experience 70% to 80% pain relief during the first few hours, it confirms that the medial branch nerves are the source of your pain.

🔴 Negative Result: If the pain persists, it tells us that the source may be elsewhere (like a disc or muscle), allowing us to pivot your treatment plan immediately without wasting time.

The Path to Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

If the MBB is successful, you are now a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation. While the block only lasts for hours, RFA can provide pain relief for 6 to 12 months or longer.

Strengthening Your Legal Evidence

For personal injury victims, the “Positive Result” of an MBB is a powerful piece of objective evidence. It transforms a subjective complaint into a documented clinical diagnosis, proving the necessity of future medical care and increasing the overall value of your claim.

What to Expect After Your Procedure:

Zero Downtime: Most patients walk out of our facility and can return to light activity the same day.
The Monitoring Phase: The first 6–8 hours are the most important. You will use your “Pain Diary” to record any changes in your symptoms while the anesthetic is active.
Simple Aftercare: You may experience minor soreness at the injection site, which can be easily managed with an ice pack.
Fast Results: Our team will review your pain diary and coordinate with your attorney and primary doctor to determine the next steps for your recovery.

FAQs About Medial Branch Blocks

1. How long does the pain relief from a Medial Branch Block last?

Since an MBB is primarily a diagnostic test, the relief is temporary. The numbing medication typically lasts between 4 to 6 hours. The goal is not long-term relief at this stage, but rather to confirm that these specific nerves are the source of your pain. If you experience significant relief during this short window, you may be a candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), which provides relief for 6-12 months.

2. Why do I need two separate Medial Branch Blocks?

Insurance carriers and medical-legal standards often require a “double-block” protocol to confirm a diagnosis. The first block identifies the nerve, and the second block (performed on a different day) ensures the first result wasn’t a “false positive.” This rigorous process ensures that if we move forward with a more permanent treatment like RFA, it has the highest chance of success.

3. Will the procedure be painful?

We prioritize patient comfort. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin before the diagnostic needle is inserted. Most patients report feeling only a brief “pinch” or pressure. Because we use real-time fluoroscopic guidance, the procedure is extremely precise and usually completed in less than 15 minutes.

4. How does a Medial Branch Block help my personal injury case?

An MBB transforms your “subjective” pain (what you feel) into “objective” medical evidence (what we can prove). By documenting a positive response to the block, we provide your attorney with clinical proof that your spinal joints were injured in the accident. This objective data is crucial for authorizing future treatments and justifying the value of your medical claim.

5. does GTOA have locations near me?

Greater Texas Orthopedic Associates (GTOA) provides expert diagnostic services statewide across Texas. We have fully equipped, state-of-the-art facilities in major hubs including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Arlington, Beaumont, and Corpus Christi. Every location is staffed with board-certified specialists and equipped with advanced fluoroscopy technology to ensure you receive the same high standard of care no matter which clinic you visit.