TL;DR Quick answer
A test injection that shows whether the lower back facet joints are causing pain. It is commonly used for chronic back pain. The procedure takes about 20–30 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Lumbar Medial Branch Block
The medial branch nerves carry pain from the lumbar facet joints. Numbing them with local anaesthetic tells the doctor whether these joints are the source of pain, and whether radiofrequency ablation is likely to give longer relief.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 20–30 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | X-ray (fluoroscopy) |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Purpose | Diagnostic test before RFA |
| Commonly used for | Chronic Back Pain |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, an infection, or could be pregnant. You will receive specific instructions, including whether to fast and whether someone should take you home.
During the procedure
Under X-ray guidance, a small amount of local anaesthetic is placed beside the medial branch nerves at the chosen levels. You will be asked to record your pain over the following hours.
After the procedure
You rest for a short time before going home, usually the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Follow-up checks how much the procedure helped.
Risks and safety
Temporary soreness and, rarely, infection, bleeding or leg numbness for a few hours. The doctor discusses the benefits and risks for you before you consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Back Pain | Back pain that lasts longer than three months, often affecting sleep, work and movement. | A constant dull ache or episodes of sharp pain; stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.