Medial Branch Block & Radiofrequency Ablation in Alberta

Medial branch nerves are very small nerve branches that carry pain messages from the facet joints and the muscles around the joints to the brain. If the nerves are blocked or numbed, they cannot transfer the pain sensation from the joints to the brain.

The facet joints are small joints in the back of the spine that form connections between each vertebra. Each facet joint has 2 nerves.

Typically, an MBB procedure takes about 15–30 minutes.

If the facet joints are the source of pain, you should benefit from the injection immediately. Depending on the medication injected, the effect can last 1 hour to 6 hours or more.

If you benefit from the MBB procedure, the next step is typically scheduling a radiofrequency ablation (nerve “burning”) treatment.

Serious side effects and complications are uncommon. The most common problem after the injection is discomfort in the area for a few days. More rare complications may include an allergic reaction, bleeding, or infection in or around the injection site, and temporary weakness or numbness.

If you have an active infection, you should not have the procedure. If you are pregnant or actively trying and it is 10 days past the first day of your last menstrual cycle, you should contact the clinic to see if you are able to proceed. 

Please warn us of any allergies, especially to local anesthetics, X-ray dye, and latex.

The MBB procedure will be done at Peace Diagnostic Imaging, suite 108, 9815 97 St, Grande Prairie.

We would highly recommend it. On occasion, freezing can affect the nerves in the legs, making you unfit to drive.

Complications are rare but possible. Feeling some increased pain on the day of or after your injection is normal. Depending on the injection site, you might also feel numbness in your leg or arm, but this usually fades within 24 hours. 

If your pain increases or you have a fever, chills, or signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately or call 811.