Cervical Spine Medial Branch Nerve Block orthopaedic surgery animations. The facet joint connects the inferior articular process of the vertebra above, with the superior articular process of the vertebra below. Adjacent vertebra are connected by a right and left facet joint. They are sometimes referred to as zygopophysial joints or z-joints.

A facet joint can be a source of neck pain. The medial branch nerve transmits this pain message on its way to the brain. A medial branch block injection is used to inject medication around this nerve to prevent it transmitting the pain message to the brain.

A medial branch block can be diagnostic, to determine if the facet joint is causing pain. Once the source of your pain is known, further treatment options can be considered.

A medial branch block can also be therapeutic, reducing pain and allowing a rehabilitation program to be commenced. Cervical Spine Medial Branch Nerve Block orthopaedic surgery animations.