Facet and Medial Branch Block in Frisco, TX
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Contact UsFacet Joint Pain Relief
Facet joints in the spine appear between and behind the vertebrae, and they help to provide flexibility and movement. When these joints become damaged or inflamed, they cause severe back pain that occurs when an individual bends or rotates their spine. There are several conditions that can create pain in the facet joints, which is why Dr. Jerry Lewis performs facet & medial branch blocks to diagnose if the facet joint is the source of back pain.
To learn more about our Frisco & Irving facet & medial branch blocks, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
What Is a Facet and Medial Branch Block?
Facet joints in the spine appear between and behind the vertebrae, and they help to provide flexibility and movement. However, when these joints become damaged or inflamed, they cause severe back pain that occurs when an individual bends or rotates their spine. There are several conditions that can create pain in the facet joints, which is why Dr. Jerry Lewis of Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine performs medial branch blocks to diagnose if the facet joint is the source of back pain.
A medial branch block is typically a diagnostic procedure that works by injecting a numbing medicine into the medial nerves that are connected to the facet joints. If there is significant pain relief after the injection, then the facet joint can be diagnosed as the source of the previous back pain.
Dr. Lewis will perform a medial branch block if the patient has already received a facet joint injection to see if a facet rhizotomy is needed.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate?
An ideal candidate for a facet block can be any individual who is experiencing:
- Significant back pain when bending or twisting their spine.
- Chronic neck pain when bending or twisting the spine.
Dr. Lewis may suggest a medial branch block as a diagnostic test and if it is successful, other treatments may be recommended. A medial branch block can help to determine if a facet rhizotomy may be a successful next step in the treatment of back pain. Dr. Lewis can consult with you to help you decide if a medial branch block is the best form of treatment for you.
Procedure Technique
A medial branch block is performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under a local anesthetic. Dr. Lewis will guide a small needle into the correct position using a fluoroscopy x-ray. Once the needle is placed over the medial branch nerve, Dr. Lewis will inject the numbing anesthetic into the nerve. Several nerves can be completed with one treatment.
What to Expect Post-Treatment
Following the procedure, patients may need to be monitored before they are allowed to leave the outpatient center. They may also need to perform certain movements and record their pain levels to ensure the success of the procedure. Typically, pain relief can be felt within hours following the procedure, but results may vary from patient to patient. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Lewis will be held so that he can recommend further treatment options.
Diagnose Your Pain
Neck and back pain can originate from several different conditions and locations in the spine. Dr. Jerry Lewis of Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine can help diagnose and treat your chronic pain using a medial branch block procedure, which works by finding the exact source of your pain.
Call our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lewis to learn more about our treatment options.
Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine Reviews
Super professionals!!! I have been with Dr. Lewis' & his staff for many years. My experience with them is second to none - A-1 practice!!!!
Loved all the staff. The gentleman I spoke the most with was extremely thorough answering any questions I had as well as one of the other staff members I spoke with to review what Dr. Lewis prescribed. I highly recommend Lewis Pain Clinic. Also, they get you in and out. There wasn’t any waiting around for hours.
The staff remains exceptional. I have been a patient here for almost 3 years and have never had a bad experience. Erica (the RNP) listens carefully to address any concerns I might have. As a retired RN, I’m pretty fussy as to who I let take care of me. I can honestly “highly recommend” this group for pain management.
Everyone is kind and happy to help! They’re ALWAYS on time or early which is a great relief! It feels good to be heard, taken seriously and have it understood that my time is just as valuable!
The entire staff is absolutely amazing! They truly care about you and try to make sure you’re taken care of!
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About UsFacet and Medial Branch Block FAQs
Are facet and medial branch blocks painful?
The procedures are minimally invasive and relatively well-tolerated. The initial injection of the local anesthetic may cause a brief stinging sensation, but discomfort is generally minimal. The main goal is to provide pain relief during and after the procedure.
How long does pain relief last after the injections?
The duration of pain relief varies among individuals. For some, pain relief may last only a few hours, while for others, it can last for several weeks or even longer. The diagnostic aspect of the procedure is to observe how long the pain relief lasts, which helps in determining further treatment options.
Are there any risks associated with these procedures?
The risks are generally minimal. Some possible side effects include temporary soreness at the injection site, allergic reactions to medications, and a small risk of infection.
