What is the Next Step After a Medial Branch Block?
A medial branch block helps identify and treat pain coming from the facet joints in your spine.
After the procedure, many patients wonder what is the next step after a medial branch block and how long the recovery time will be.
In this article, we’ll explain the possible outcomes, recovery expectations, and what follow-up treatments you may need.
Let's jump in!
GET EXPERT MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCK TREATMENT
What is the Next Step After a Medial Branch Block?
The next steps after a medial branch block depend on how much relief you feel.
There are generally three possible outcomes: complete relief, partial relief, or no relief at all.
1. Complete Relief
If you get complete relief from the block, it’s likely that the facet joints are the source of your pain.
The next step may involve radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a procedure that uses heat to target the nerves causing the pain.
RFA can provide longer-lasting relief by "turning off" the pain signals.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we offer radiofrequency ablation as a follow-up for patients who benefit from medial branch blocks.
2. Partial Relief
Partial relief means the facet joints are contributing to the pain, but there may be other factors involved as well.
In this case, your doctor might recommend another block, additional tests, or physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around your spine.
We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan, based on your needs, to help manage your pain.
3. No Relief
If you don’t feel any relief after the procedure, the pain might not be coming from your facet joints.
Your doctor may explore other potential causes, such as a herniated disc or nerve compression.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we will help you look into other possible sources of pain and find the right treatment for your situation.
Medial Branch Block Recovery Time
Most patients recover quickly after a medial branch block, often returning to normal activities within 24-48 hours.
It’s a good idea to take it easy for a day or two, but after that, you can get back to your usual routine.
You may feel relief within a few days, though some patients may need a week to fully feel the benefits.
If the block was successful, the relief can last several weeks, which helps doctors determine the next steps for longer-term treatment.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we’ll make sure you understand what to expect during recovery and provide support through follow-up appointments.
Potential Follow-Up Treatments
Depending on the outcome of the medial branch block, you may need further treatment to manage your pain in the long term, potentially including:
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
If the medial branch block gave you significant relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be the next step.
RFA targets the nerves causing the pain and can provide relief for several months, or even years.
At Elite Pain Doctors, our team has the expertise to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
Physical Therapy
If the block only provided partial relief, physical therapy might be recommended to help improve mobility and strengthen your back.
Physical therapy can play a key role in preventing future pain by addressing muscle imbalances and posture issues.
Our physical therapists make sure your treatment plan covers all aspects of your recovery.
Other Treatments
In cases where the block didn’t provide relief, other treatments like corticosteroid injections or further testing may be needed to find the right solution.
We offer a variety of options to treat chronic pain, and we’ll help you explore what works best for you.
ASK US ABOUT OUR TREATMENTS
When to Follow Up With Your Doctor
It’s important to follow up with your doctor after the medial branch block to assess the results.
If you felt significant relief, your doctor may recommend further treatments like radiofrequency ablation.
If your pain hasn’t improved or has worsened, your doctor will work with you to figure out the next steps.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we schedule follow-up visits to track your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Conclusion
Now that you understand what the next step after a medial branch block is and what the typical recovery time looks like, you can make more informed decisions about your treatment.
Whether you experience full, partial, or no relief, there are plenty of options to help manage your pain.
At Elite Pain Doctors, we’re here to guide you through every step, from diagnosis to recovery.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve lasting relief!
CONTACT US
FAQs
What is the next step if a medial branch block does not work?
If a medial branch block does not relieve your pain, the next step might involve further diagnostic testing to determine the actual source of the pain. Your doctor may also explore other treatments, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgical options, depending on the underlying cause.
What is the medial branch block recovery time?
Most patients recover from a medial branch block within 24-48 hours. You may experience some soreness at the injection site, but this usually subsides quickly. You can typically return to your normal activities within a day or two after the procedure.
What are the side effects of medial branch block?
The common side effects of a medial branch block include temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site, bruising, or mild bleeding. In rare cases, patients may experience infection, allergic reactions, or temporary numbness. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions to minimize risks.
What procedure comes after a medial branch block?
If a medial branch block successfully relieves your pain, the next step is often radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This procedure provides longer-lasting relief by using heat to target the same nerves that were blocked during the medial branch block. Your doctor will discuss whether this is the best option for you.
Why is a medial branch block done twice?
A medial branch block may be done twice to confirm the diagnosis of facet joint pain. Performing the procedure more than once ensures that the pain relief isn’t due to placebo or other factors. If both blocks provide relief, it confirms that the facet joints are likely the source of your pain.
What is the difference between a medial branch block and a radiofrequency ablation?
A medial branch block is a diagnostic procedure that temporarily numbs the nerves responsible for transmitting pain from the facet joints. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), on the other hand, is a longer-term treatment that uses heat to disrupt the pain signals from those same nerves, offering relief for several months or more.
What is the difference between a medial branch block vs facet injection?
A medial branch block targets the nerves that send pain signals from the facet joints to the brain, helping diagnose facet joint pain. A facet injection, by contrast, delivers medication directly into the facet joint itself to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
How do you know if a medial branch block is successful?
You’ll know a medial branch block is successful if it significantly reduces your pain for the duration of the anesthetic’s effect, typically lasting several hours to a few days. This temporary relief indicates that the targeted nerves are contributing to your pain, helping guide further treatment options.
Can pain get worse after medial branch block?
In rare cases, patients may experience increased pain after a medial branch block, usually due to irritation from the needle or anesthetic. This pain is usually temporary and should subside within a few days. If the pain persists or worsens, you should contact your doctor for further evaluation.
How long will a medial branch block last?
The pain relief from a medial branch block typically lasts for several hours to a few days, as it’s primarily a diagnostic tool. If successful, the temporary relief can lead to more permanent solutions, such as radiofrequency ablation, which can last several months to years.
Is a medial branch block worth it?
A medial branch block is considered worth it for patients experiencing chronic pain suspected to originate from the facet joints. It not only helps diagnose the cause of your pain but also provides temporary relief. If successful, it opens the door to longer-lasting treatments like radiofrequency ablation.