X

THE PAIN CENTER BLOG

Our blog is designed to help our patients live a happier and healthier life.

23Aug

Nerve Roots and Medial Branch Blocks

Pain Management, Body Pain | | Return|

Nerve Root Blocks

Nerve root blocks are performed on patients having low back pain that often radiates down the leg. It comes from a compressed nerve root in the spine. It can often be caused from a herniated lateral disc. Nerve root blocks can relieve this pain temporarily if it is given directly into the area of damage.

 

Medical Branch Blocks

Medial branch blocks can be utilized for median nerve pain in the back or neck. Located at every spinal vertebral level is a small pair of joints called facet joints. They are sometimes referred to as zygapophyseal joints (Z-joints). There are two medial nerves associated with each facet joint, and their job is to carry signals away from the spine traveling up to the brain.

 

When Are the Blocks Preformed?

When patients are experiencing pain in the spinal area, a medial branch block is sometimes carried out to determine if these particular nerves are the root of the patient's pain. They are not responsible for controlling any major muscles, and they do not carry sensation for the arms or legs. Therefore, it is possible to block these nerves with no negative effect.

Physicians perform a medial branch block on the medial nerves as a diagnostic and treatment procedure to determine the area as the source of pain. If the blocking of these nerves solves the patient's problem, then it is determined to be the root of the problem. This may be enough to relieve the pain, or a more permanent procedure can be carried out. This procedure helps patients who are suffering with back pain caused by the median nerves.

The actual injection only takes a few minutes. The entire procedure usually lasts no more than thirty minutes. Afterwards, the patient is required to rest in the recovery area for another thirty minutes. The patient is then asked to reproduce some movements that would normally produce the spinal pain. If further pain control is needed, patients may then be evaluated for a radiofrequency neurotomy to treat the facet nerve pain.

 

If you want to reclaim your life, click HERE to contact us!

 

Pain Management Idaho | Boise Pain Center 

Related

What is a Pain Center and How Can They Help Me?

What is a Pain Center and How Can They Help Me?

A pain center is a healthcare facility that specializes in the diagnosis & management of chronic pai...

Read More >
How do Steroid Injections Help with Neck Pain?

How do Steroid Injections Help with Neck Pain?

The pain is often intense, and medical intervention is sometimes the only way to find relief. A ster...

Read More >
What Relief Can A Pain Specialist Offer For Peripheral Neuropathy?

What Relief Can A Pain Specialist Offer For Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral Neuropathy is a result of the damage of the Peripheral Nervous System. A recurring feelin...

Read More >
How Posture Affects Your Back

How Posture Affects Your Back

There are varying degrees of back pain that one can experience as a result of bad posture when sitti...

Read More >
Is There a Cure For Phantom Limb Pain? Will It Ever Go Away?

Is There a Cure For Phantom Limb Pain? Will It Ever Go Away?

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a perception of pain originating from a body part that is no longer there...

Read More >
Recovery Can Be Faster Under a Pain Specialist

Recovery Can Be Faster Under a Pain Specialist

A pain specialist is someone who has achieved a comprehensive understanding of the physiological sou...

Read More >

CONTACT US

Our entire practice revolves around helping patients feel better. Pain is a fact of life, until it interferes with the joys of living. Sandra Thompson, MD and The Pain Center have innovative and comprehensive solutions to all forms of discomfort.

All insurances accepted.

Phone Number:

Boise Phone: (208) 342-9800
Boise Fax: (208) 342-4223
Caldwell Phone: (208) 342-9800
Caldwell Fax: (208) 455-5190

 

Email Us:

admin@thepaincenterinc.com

Address:

Boise: 633 N. 4th St. Boise, ID 83702
Caldwell: 1825 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605

Hours:

Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: Closed

ABOUT US

We are a group of pain management experts dedicated to helping patients live life better.

 READ MORE

FOLLOW US

If you would like to see how we are helping the community live better, check out The Pain Center on social.

STOP BACK PAIN

Premier back pain treatments that will help reduce, relieve and improve your overall quality of life. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of service and results.

 READ MORE