I'm having a medial branch block, does it hurt? If so how?

Was your pain the same if so did u have to go for further test I'm so worried I'm going be a Gina pic

Pig

@hosta You should not be so frighten! They do this all the time. It is quite safe. If it is going to work, you should see some ease in your pain soon after the procedure. How much do you know about your doctor? Do you trust him (her)? Trust in your doctor is 3/4 of the battle. Have Faith in the doctor and in God!

I don't kn the dr at all ,that's my other problem,and if it don't work what they do next ,the plan was physical therapy and acupuncture then all suddenly she changed it ,I have alot of health problems and my body doesn't do good with alot of meds ,last time a reg nerve block didnt work couple years ago,then had rotator cuff surgery and the block they used was supposed to wear off in 8 hours ended up 24 hour later still was numb,wen wore off I was screaming in sever pain.thank u for help

My pain management Dr just said I'm getting it done not explation, I'm on pain meds for 10 years due to rusphred disk neck back,arthritis, bone diese, nerve damage,leukocytosis, hight wbc so not quite sure why she's doing it people say it hurts I can't be sedated due to single mom and no driver,any help please

I'm getting ready to have a Medial Block also . I hope it works ??

Do not be afraid. If you are in moderate to severe pain, then it is worth going through the procedure! Do you know and trust your doctor? I have had numerous and various type of treatments to treat degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. In my case, some treatments work and others don't. Did your doctor give you a valium to take 1-2 hrs. before the procedure? It will help to calm your nerves. The only time none of the treatments worked on me was due to severe degenerative disc disease in my neck. I ended up being treated by a doctor who practices functional medicine. It was expensive and took about a year of regular visits and treatment. Now I am on maintenance and it is working. For my stenosis, I continue to see a spine interventionist doctor. He is terrific and without both types of treatment, my quality of life would be a living "hell!" These are stressful times and removing one stress is significant. It will have you to return to a less physically challenging time! Stay well, safe and be at peace!

To Karolyn from Georgia in Australia. Get on that doctor and get the secretary to send you the "outline of the procedure". It should tell you exactly what the procedure is, and what will happen. Never hear of "not being told". !!! Are you in a vet hospital ?????? Woof. !

@faithann64 When are you having your Medial Branch Block and what part of the body?

Hi @australia, You're right that patients deserve to get an explanation of any procedure they are about to get in language that the patient can easily understand. Needing a medical procedure is stressful enough. Clear explanations and details about what to expect are a must. Often we have to advocate for ourselves to get it and I appreciate your encouraging @karolyn to get an explanation.

I must remind you on the Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/)
See guideline number 2, in particular sub-bullet two:
2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own. Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
- Realize that sarcasm and joking will often be misunderstood.
- Be inclusive. Not everyone shares the same religious or political beliefs. Don't impose your beliefs on others.
- Personal attacks against members or health care providers are not acceptable. Such posts will be removed.

Your comment about a "vet hospital. Woof!" may have been intended to be funny. However, written communication often lacks the nuance of tone of voice and body language. Thus your comment can also be read as derogatory and not helpful.

Should you have any concerns about this, please message me using this form: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/