When spinal pain is suspected to be related to facet joints, a diagnostic joint block is recommended. Temporary numbing anesthetic injections called medial branch blocks (MBB) are performed to numb the facet joints and confirm whether a patient experiences relief from their spinal pain when the facet joints have been silenced. This is a safe and short x-ray guided procedure after which the patient is advised to be mobile, returning to work or performing activities which typically cause the pain. If it is confirmed the facet joints are the source of spinal pain, RFA is recommended and performed for long lasting relief.
