The Medial Branch Block refers to the sensory nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. The Sacroiliac Lateral Branch Block refers to the sensory nerves that carry pain signals from the sacroiliac joints to the brain. Each block is an injection of lidocaine around the sensory nerves that is temporarily blocking the pain signals. The Branch Block is a temporary diagnostic test that is used to find a particular joint that is causing the pain. It is usually preformed prior to a Radiofrequency Ablation to verify that the patient is a candidate for the procedure. The patient will need to have a 50% relief of pain or higher to continue on with the RFA.
How does a Branch Block relieve my pain?
The Branch Block temporarily relieves pain around the sensory nerve when the lidocaine is injected around the joint, stopping the pain signal from the nerve to the brain for a short time. The effect is only temporary as it is a diagnostic test only.