01/13/2026
A lumbar medial branch block is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat lower back pain that originates from the facet joints of the spine. These small joints provide stability and allow controlled movement, but when they become irritated or arthritic, they can cause persistent lower back pain that worsens with standing, twisting, or bending. At Atlas Pain Specialists, lumbar medial branch blocks are used to precisely target the nerves responsible for transmitting pain from these joints.
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic near the medial branch nerves, which supply sensation to the facet joints. Using real time imaging such as fluoroscopy, the injection is performed with high accuracy to ensure the correct nerves are treated. If the patient experiences significant pain relief following the injection, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of the pain and helps guide future treatment decisions.
Dr Sean Ormond at Atlas Pain Specialists uses lumbar medial branch blocks as part of a comprehensive non surgical pain management approach. These injections not only help reduce pain but also play a critical diagnostic role in determining whether a patient may benefit from longer lasting treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient surgical setting, requires minimal recovery time, and allows patients to return to daily activities quickly while avoiding unnecessary surgery.
