Available at Apex, Holly Springs, Knightdale and Wakefield
Chronic neck pain, headaches, and upper back discomfort can significantly impact your daily life. At ECPC Pain Specialists, our board-certified interventional pain medicine physicians have extensive experience providing cervical medial-branch blocks to patients throughout Wake County. With a patient-centered approach grounded in evidence-based medicine, we’re committed to helping you find lasting relief so you can return to the activities that matter most.
What Is a Cervical Medial-Branch Block?
A cervical medial-branch block is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic injection designed to address pain originating from the facet joints in your neck. These small joints connect the vertebrae in your cervical spine and can become a source of chronic pain due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration. The procedure targets the medial-branch nerves—tiny nerves that carry pain signals from these facet joints to your brain.
By temporarily blocking these nerve signals, your physician can determine whether your facet joints are the source of your neck pain, headaches, or shoulder discomfort. If the injection provides significant relief, it confirms the diagnosis and may lead to longer-lasting treatment options like radiofrequency ablation.
How Does a Cervical Medial-Branch Block Work?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than 30 minutes. After you’re positioned comfortably, your skin is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort. Using advanced fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray imaging), your physician precisely identifies the target nerves near the affected facet joint.
A small needle is carefully inserted, and a contrast dye is used to confirm proper positioning. Once placement is verified, a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected near the medial-branch nerve. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief that may last several hours, while the corticosteroid reduces inflammation and can provide relief for weeks or even months.
Why Choose ECPC Pain Specialists for Your Cervical Medial-Branch Block?
Our multi-location practice serves patients across Wake County with a reputation built on compassionate care and clinical excellence. With a 5-star rating and hundreds of patient reviews, we’re known for our personalized treatment approach and commitment to your comfort throughout every step of your care.
Our physicians are subspecialty-certified in interventional pain medicine and utilize the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, effective treatment. We take the time to understand your unique pain experience and develop a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Contact ECPC Pain Specialists Today
Ready to take the first step toward lasting neck pain relief? Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Wake County locations:
- Holly Springs: 984-777-8787
- Knightdale: 919-222-5280
- Apex: 919-439-7867
- Wakefield: 919-341-9317
Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the compassionate, evidence-based pain management experience you deserve.