If your low back pain is coming from an inflamed or irritated lumbar facet joint, then Medial Branch Block may be just the right treatment for you.

What is a lumbar facet joint?

Our spine’s lumbar region (found in the lower back) has exactly 5 vertebrae. Lumbar facet joints connect these vertebrae to the side of the spine. For example, the right L4-5 facet joint connects the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. Medial branch nerves are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joint to the brain.

What causes pain in the lumbar facet joint?

Pain in this region happens when there is joint dysfunction due to an injury or irritation. A person with an irritated lumbar facet joint may feel pain ranging from simple muscle tension to more severe back pain. The area where the pain is felt depends on where the affected facet joint is located – from the lower back to the buttocks, and even into the legs.

How will I know if I have lumbar facet pain?

If you’re suffering from pain in the lower back extending to the buttocks and legs for a few months now, you may have an inflamed lumbar facet.

Medial Branch Block for lumbar facet pain

Medial Branch Block is a minimally invasive procedure that injects an anesthetic over the medial branch nerve. This is done to temporarily stop the pain signals from transmitting from the facet joint. If the procedure effectively lessens your lower back or buttock pain, your physician can be certain that it is the lumbar facet joint that is causing the pain. He may also inform you to look into medial branch nerve radio-frequent neurotomy to provide a more permanent pain relief.

Are you suffering from low back pain? You don’t have to live with it any longer. Contact Spine Center of Texas and let us help you get back the life you love.