Back pain can be frustrating—especially when you don’t know exactly what’s causing it. At The OUCH Center, we go beyond generic pain treatments. Our goal is to pinpoint the true source of your discomfort, so you can get the right care. One of the tools we use to do this is the medial branch block—a precise diagnostic injection designed to identify whether your facet joints are the culprit behind your chronic back or neck pain.

What Is a Medial Branch Block?

A medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure used to temporarily numb the small nerves (called medial branch nerves) that carry pain signals from the facet joints of your spine. These joints, which sit between each vertebra, are crucial for stability and movement—but they can also become inflamed, leading to persistent pain.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic is carefully injected near the targeted nerves. If your pain is significantly reduced following the injection, it's a strong sign that the facet joints are the source of your symptoms.

Sometimes, a small dose of steroid is also included to reduce inflammation and prolong relief.

Why This Procedure Matters

Many back pain treatments are based on trial and error—but medial branch blocks provide answers. Here’s why this diagnostic tool is so valuable:

Accurate Diagnosis

By numbing specific nerves, we can confirm whether the facet joints are the true cause of your pain. This allows us to create a more effective treatment plan.

Leads to Long-Term Relief Options

If the medial branch block is successful, you may be a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—a procedure that can offer longer-lasting relief by gently disrupting the targeted nerve signals.

Quick, In-Office Procedure

The entire injection takes only a few minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting. Most patients resume their normal activities the same day.

Trust Matters: Experience You Can Count On

At The OUCH Center, precision is everything. Our medial branch blocks are performed under image-guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound), ensuring the anesthetic is delivered to the exact nerve involved. The procedure is overseen by Dr. Maxim Moradian, a quintuple-board certified physiatrist and a leader in advanced pain diagnostics and spine care.

If you're tired of guessing what's causing your back or neck pain—and ready for answers—this simple test can be a turning point in your treatment journey.

Ready to Find the Source of Your Pain?

Discover if a medial branch block can help you finally get the relief you need. Our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.

Schedule an appointment at The OUCH Center today:

Arcadia: (626) 389-3893

Glendale: (818) 643-4346

Palmdale: (888) 899-6464

Email: info@theouchcenter.com

Website: www.theouchcenter.com

The OUCH Center – Accurate Diagnosis. Targeted Relief. Personalized Care.