Cervical Medial Branch Blocks
This procedure is performed in order to numb the nerves that supply the facet joints in the neck.
The purpose of this procedure is to identify if the source of the patients neck pain is the cervical facet joints.
This procedure is performed when the patient is lying with their face down on a special pillow in order to hold the neck straight. Small needles are placed to inject numbing medicine around the nerves that carry pain signals from the potentially painful joints.
If the patient receives a few hours of excellent relief then the source of pain is established as the cervical facet joints facet joints.
If that result is confirmed with a second set of injections then the option of more permanent relief can usually be obtained by performing cervical medial branch radiofrequency denervation.
Pre Injections Instructions
If you are anxious about your procedure, sedation may be an option for you.
If your plan of care involves sedation, you must meet the following criteria:
01
Come to your appointment with a responsible adult driver.
02
Fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to our appointment time. Morning medications can be taken with a sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to you appointment time. Exceptions may include diabetic medications, in this case please call the office for specific instructions.
03
If you are taking blood thinners or supplements, we may ask that you discontinue them prior to your procedure. Never stop these medications without approval from the physician prescribing them.
If you are taking blood thinners your pain physician may ask they be discontinued prior to injection. Never stop these medications without permission from the physician prescribing them. Please call our office if your blood thinner is not listed:
- Acenocoumarol
- Agggrenox
- Aggrastat
- Arixtra
- Aspirin
- Brilinta
- Edoxaparin
- Effient
- Eliquis
- Heparin
- Integrilin
- Lovenox
- Pentoxil
- Plavix
- Pletal
- Pradaxa
- ReoPro
- Ticlid
- Warfarin/Coumadin
- Xarelto
If you are taking any supplements such as Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin A&E, Ginger, Kava Kava, Clove, White Willow bark, or Gingko please stop these 7 days prior to your procedure.
Start the Path Towards Healing
Our physicians offer diagnostic testing, fluoroscopic guided procedures and steroid injections. Our goal is to restore function of damaged joints, nerves, and muscles to treat low back, neck, and other pain. Our mission is to have all patients living their lives with minimal pain and to meet each of our patients’ needs with the highest quality care. We offer innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive technologies.