Are you seeking effective ways to manage persistent neck or back pain? At NorCal Pain Treatment Center, we offer advanced interventions like medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation, specifically designed to target pain originating from the facet joints of your spine. Understanding these procedures can be a significant step towards finding lasting relief.
Located along the back of your spine, from your neck down to your lower back, are small joints called facet joints (or zygapophysial joints). These crucial structures provide both stability and flexibility, allowing you to move comfortably. However, conditions like arthritis or general wear and tear can cause these joints to become a source of significant pain. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your neck or back, identifying the facet joints as the source is a key first step.
Often, the diagnostic journey begins with a medial branch block. This straightforward procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic, such as bupivacaine, near the medial branch nerves. These nerves are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints. By temporarily blocking these signals, we can determine if the facet joints are indeed the cause of your pain. If you experience noticeable, temporary relief after the injection, it strongly suggests that the facet joints are the pain generators. This valuable information then helps guide further treatment decisions, including the possibility of radiofrequency ablation.
Once facet joint pain is confirmed, radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive approach for potential long-term relief. During this procedure, a specialized needle delivers targeted heat to specific sensory branches of the nerves. This carefully applied heat effectively disrupts their ability to send pain signals to your brain. As a result, many patients experience significant and lasting pain reduction, making radiofrequency ablation a preferred option for managing chronic discomfort stemming from these joints.
Radiofrequency ablation offers several compelling advantages. Typically performed on an outpatient basis, it allows you to return home the same day. The procedure boasts high success rates coupled with low risks of complications, making it a safe and effective choice for individuals suffering from facet joint pain. Compared to steroid injections, patients often report longer-lasting pain relief, improved spinal mobility, and a reduced need for pain medications. Furthermore, many experience a quicker recovery, enabling them to resume their daily activities with greater ease and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.
At NorCal Pain Treatment Center, our commitment is to provide you with personalized and comprehensive care. By utilizing the precision of medial branch blocks for diagnosis and the long-lasting relief potential of radiofrequency ablation, we are dedicated to helping you navigate your pain journey and regain control of your life. If you are struggling with persistent neck or back pain, we encourage you to discuss these effective treatment options with your healthcare provider. You deserve to live a life with less pain and greater freedom.
