Learn about Cervical Medial Branch Block Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cervical Medial Branch Block and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cervical Medial Branch Block

A Cervical Medial Branch Block is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure performed by spine specialists to identify and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the neck (cervical spine). During the procedure, a small amount of local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, is precisely injected near the medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from these joints. This 'block' temporarily numbs the nerves, helping to confirm if the facet joints are the source of the patient's chronic neck, shoulder, or headache pain. If the block provides significant relief, it can serve as a diagnostic step before considering a longer-term solution like radiofrequency ablation. The procedure is typically done under X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) for accuracy and is performed on an outpatient basis.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incision.Primarily diagnostic, helping to pinpoint the exact source of neck or headache pain.Can provide significant temporary pain relief, confirming the diagnosis.Performed under local anesthesia with fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precision.Outpatient procedure, typically allowing patients to go home the same day.Low risk of complications compared to open spine surgery.liMay be a precursor to longer-lasting treatments like radiofrequency ablation./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Chronic neck pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or rest.
  • Pain suspected to originate from the cervical facet (zygapophyseal) joints.
  • Diagnostic evaluation to confirm if facet joint arthritis or injury is the pain source.
  • Pain that radiates to the shoulders, upper back, or base of the skull (occipital headache).
  • Pain worsened by neck extension, rotation, or lateral bending.
  • Preparation for a potential cervical medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy (ablation).

How to prepare

  • Discontinue blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by your doctor, typically 5-7 days prior.
  • Inform your physician of all medications, supplements, and allergies.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation may be used.
  • Fast for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned, as per specific instructions.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove all jewelry.
  • Discuss any active infections or illnesses with your doctor beforehand.

Risks & possible complications

  • Common temporary side effects include discomfort at the injection site, bruising, or a feeling of numbness/weakness.
  • Risk of infection at the injection site, though very low.
  • Bleeding, especially in patients on blood thinners.
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye, local anesthetic, or steroid medication.
  • Temporary increase in pain (flare reaction).
  • Rare complications include nerve damage, spinal cord injury, or dural puncture leading to a spinal headache.
  • No relief or inaccurate diagnostic information if the injection does not target the correct nerve.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You will be monitored in a recovery area for 30-60 minutes after the procedure.
  • Rest for the remainder of the day; avoid strenuous activity, driving, and operating machinery.
  • You may resume normal activities and light work the following day if you feel well.
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours.
  • You will be asked to keep a 'pain diary' to record your pain levels for several hours after the block to assess its effectiveness.
  • Follow up with your spine specialist to discuss the results of the diagnostic block and plan the next steps, which may include a repeat block or radiofrequency ablation.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, chills, or signs of infection.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cervical medial branch block in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cervical medial branch block compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 163 – USD 435 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More
Turkey USD 1,208 – USD 3,221 0 days (Outpatient) ~ 1-2 days Know More

Top hospitals for Cervical Medial Branch Block in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing cervical medial branch block.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
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Spine surgeons for Cervical Medial Branch Block

Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform cervical medial branch block and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

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Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

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Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

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Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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Dr. Sk Rajan
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

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Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

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Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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