Medial Branch Neurotomy

Back or neck pain may be due to problems with certain nerves near your spine. If so, a medial branch neurotomy can help relieve your pain. A neurotomy is a special procedure that destroys the function of the nerve and therefore prevents the pain message from traveling to your brain. The nerve is targeted in the specific problem joint. Radiofrequency, chemicals, heat or cold is applied to the nerve. In some cases, your doctor may give you a nerve block prior to the neurotomy to make sure the targeted nerve is the nerve that is creating your pain.

Medial branch nerves

Each vertebra in your spine has facets (flat surfaces). They touch where the vertebrae fit together. This forms a facet joint. Each facet joint has at least two medial branch nerves. They are part of the nerve pathway to and from each facet joint. A facet joint in your back or neck can become inflamed (swollen and irritated). Pain messages may then travel along the nerve pathway from the facet joint to your brain.

Blocking pain messages

Medial branch nerves in each facet joint send and carry messages about back or neck pain. Destroying a few of these nerves can keep certain pain messages from reaching your brain. This can help bring you relief. The relief typically lasts for months to years.