Neck pain can make life hard. At 5th Avenue Wellness Medicine, we’re here to help. One way we treat neck pain is with a Cervical Medial Branch Block.
What Is a Cervical Medial Branch Block?
A Cervical Medial Branch Block is a type of injection used to help find the source of neck pain.
It targets tiny nerves in your neck called medial branch nerves. These nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints—the small joints in your neck—to your brain. The injection numbs these nerves for a short time. If your pain goes away after the shot, it tells us those nerves—and the facet joints—are likely causing your pain. This helps us plan the right treatment moving forward.
Understanding Facet Joints and Neck Pain
Facet joints are small joints in your neck. They help your head move and keep your neck stable. They can hurt if:
- You have arthritis (joint wear and tear).
- You had an injury (like whiplash).
- You make the same movements often (bad posture or work strain).
When these joints are inflamed, you can feel neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches.
Signs You Might Need This Injection
You might be a good candidate for this injection if you’ve been dealing with:
- Chronic neck pain that just doesn’t go away, even with rest or medication.
- Headaches that seem to start at the base of your neck and move upward.
- Pain in your upper back or shoulders that feels dull, achy, or tight.
These symptoms often mean your facet joints could be the source of the pain.
The Cervical Medial Branch Block works like a test. If the injection gives you relief—even for a short time—it tells us those small neck joints are likely causing the issue. It’s a safe, helpful step toward a more lasting solution.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s how to prepare:
- Don’t eat or drink for 6 hours.
- Tell us about any medicines you take.
- Bring someone to drive you home. You can’t drive after the shot.
If you have questions or concerns before your visit, just give us a call. We’re here to help you feel ready and comfortable.
What Happens During the Procedure
- You lie on a table.
- We clean your neck and numb the skin.
- Using X-ray guidance, we place a small needle near the nerve.
- We inject medicine to numb the area.
That’s it! The whole thing is usually quick.
What to Expect After the Cervical Medial Branch Block Injection
- Pain relief can start within 30 minutes.
- The injection spot may feel a little sore.
- Rest for the rest of the day.
- Most people go back to normal the next day.
How Long Will the Pain Relief Last?
- If the pain goes away, it confirms the facet joints are the issue.
- Relief may last a few hours or a few days.
- If it works well, we might suggest Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for longer relief.
What Are Your Options If It Doesn’t Work?
Other treatments include:
- Physical Therapy – To stretch and strengthen.
- Medications – Like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers.
- RFA – A longer-lasting nerve treatment.
- Surgery – Only if other options don’t help.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If neck pain is slowing you down, you don’t have to live with it. A Cervical Medial Branch Block can help find the source of your pain and open the door to lasting relief. Our team at 5th Avenue Wellness Medicine is here to guide you every step of the way.
To get started, call us immediately or arrange an appointment online. Relief could be just one visit away.
FAQs
Most people report feeling a short squeeze. We numb the skin first, so the discomfort is very mild and goes away fast.
The entire process normally takes 20 to 30 minutes. After that, you’ll rest for a short time before going home.
If the injection works, you may feel pain relief within 30 minutes to a few hours. The pain might return in a day or two, and that’s normal.
Yes, this procedure is considered very safe. Like any injection, there’s a small chance of soreness, bruising, or infection, but serious problems are rare.
If you feel relief, that tells us your facet joints are the source of your pain. We may then suggest a longer-lasting treatment like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).