What is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch nerve block is a procedure in which an anesthetic is injected near small medial nerves connected to a specific facet joint.  The facet joints, also known as the zygapophysial joints, are part of the bony framework of the spine.  They are small bony projections from one vertebra meeting with similar bony projections from the vertebra above or below.  Sometimes, due to a variety of acute and chronic conditions, the facet joints can become inflamed.  Typically, several levels of the spine are injected in one procedure.