Diagnostic and therapeutic injections targeting specific nerves to interrupt pain signals and help identify the source of pain. Used both to treat symptoms and to guide further treatment decisions.
Educational illustration only
Medial branch blocks are small injections of local anesthetic placed precisely on the nerves that supply the facet joints. They are primarily used as a diagnostic tool to determine whether the facet joints are the source of your pain, and whether radiofrequency ablation would provide lasting relief.
Suspected facet joint pain in the neck or back, used to confirm the diagnosis before proceeding with radiofrequency ablation.
You lie face-down and small amounts of local anesthetic are injected at two to three nerve locations per side under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure is brief, typically 10 to 15 minutes.
You will be asked to monitor your pain levels closely for several hours after the injection and keep a pain diary. If you experience significant relief during this window, radiofrequency ablation is recommended for longer-lasting results.
Educational illustration only
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerve cells located in the neck. Blocking it with local anesthetic can reduce sympathetically maintained pain and has shown promising results for hot flashes, PTSD-related symptoms, and complex regional pain syndrome.
Upper extremity complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), hot flashes, PTSD-related symptoms, and selected cardiac conditions.
You lie on your back with your neck slightly extended. Using ultrasound guidance, local anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion on one side of the neck. The procedure takes about 15 minutes.
Temporary side effects include a drooping eyelid, hoarse voice, and warmth in the arm on the treated side. These resolve as the anesthetic wears off within a few hours. Effects on pain or other symptoms may be felt within days and can be assessed over the following weeks.