Medial Branch Blocks vs. Facet Joint Injections for Accident Pain

Medial branch blocks and facet joint injections are two common procedures interventional pain management doctors use to help their patients manage pain from auto accidents.

But while these treatments share the same goal of pain relief, they are very different when it comes to the areas they target and the intended outcomes. It can get confusing, which is why our team at Impact Medical Sun City Center offers our insights into the differences between the two. Let’s get into it.

Medial Branch Blocks Vs. Facet Joint Injections

First, let’s go over what each of these treatments are.

Medial branch blocks: A local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from facet joints. This procedure is generally used to diagnose and treat pain that comes from the facet joints in the spine.

Facet joint injections: A combination of steroid medications and local anesthetic are injected into the facet joint that is believed to be the source of pain.

Ultimately, both procedures can alleviate pain and improve a patient’s range of motion after an accident, but as you can see, they have different functions.

Facet Joint Injections: The Procedure

At Impact Medical Sun City Center, we offer facet joint injections to help patients recover after an accident.

The first step when a patient comes in for this procedure is a blood pressure check. Usually, the procedure will be done with the patient lying on their stomach, and the injection will be administered by fluoroscopic x-ray.

The skin will be cleaned with antiseptic, and the area where the facet joint injection will be injected will be numbed with local anesthetic. Using the x-ray for guidance, our interventional pain doctor will insert needles into the appropriate facet joint locations.

The local anesthetic and steroid will be injected after the needles are inserted, and then the needles will be taken out.

Are There Any Risks to Facet Injections?

As with any medical procedure, there are a few risks to be aware of. Bleeding, infection, allergic reactions, and nerve injuries can occur, though they are very rare.

Short-term side effects such as numbness or weakness from the local anesthetic can last for several hours, and there may be increased localized pain in the facet joints for a few days after the procedure.

Will Pain Relief Be Instant?

Your pain may be improved immediately after the injection due to the local anesthetic. The steroid that is included in facet injections can take two to three days to take effect and often peaks in about two weeks.

Patients may feel tender for a few days after the facet joint injection.

How Long Do Injections Last?

Facet joint injections often offer relief for three months or longer and can be repeated up to three times a year.

Remember, facet joint injections offer short-term pain relief, and do not offer a “cure” to pain, but rather allow patients to avoid invasive surgeries.

Who Are Facet Joint Injections Best For?

We recommend facet joint injections for pain that is caused by inflammation due to injury, arthritis, or chronic conditions. 

The best thing about facet joint injections is that they are less invasive than other treatment options and can effectively treat inflammation which often is the cause of chronic pain after car accidents.

Read More > Is Interventional Pain Management as Effective as Surgery?

Visit Impact Medical Sun City Center

As you can see, both medical branch blocks and facet joint injections can be effective methods to treat and manage pain after a car crash. At Impact Medical Sun City Center, we offer facet joint injections that will address inflammation in the joints, offering optimal pain relief and enhanced recovery.

Don’t wait to seek treatment. Schedule a consultation with our interventional pain management doctor, Dr. Gruber, today at (813) 938-5195.