Lumbar Medial Branch Block Treatment in India
About Lumbar Medial Branch Block
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure with no surgical incision.Serves as both a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic treatment for facet joint pain.Performed under precise image guidance (fluoroscopy) for accuracy and safety.Can provide significant, immediate pain relief to confirm the pain source.May delay or eliminate the need for more invasive spine surgery.Typically involves a short procedure time and rapid recovery post-procedure./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic axial low back pain (pain that does not radiate down the leg) lasting more than 3-6 months.
- Suspected facet joint syndrome or arthropathy, often with pain worsened by extension or twisting.
- Diagnostic evaluation to confirm the facet joints as the source of pain before considering radiofrequency ablation.
- Pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.
- To help differentiate facet joint pain from other sources like disc herniation or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
How to prepare
- Consultation with your spine surgeon to review medical history, medications, and allergies.
- Discontinuation of blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by your doctor, typically 5-7 days prior.
- Fasting for 4-6 hours before the procedure, though clear fluids may be allowed.
- Arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation may be used.
- Wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.
- Informing the doctor of any active infections or illnesses.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary increase in pain or discomfort at the injection site.
- Bruising, swelling, or minor bleeding.
- Infection at the injection site (rare).
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye, local anesthetic, or steroid medication.
- Temporary numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Very rare risk of nerve damage, dural puncture, or spinal cord injury.
- Potential for no pain relief, indicating a different pain source.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Rest for the remainder of the day; avoid strenuous activity, bending, or lifting for 24-48 hours.
- You may resume normal, light activities the following day as tolerated.
- Apply ice to the injection site if you experience soreness.
- Keep the injection site clean and dry for 24 hours.
- Monitor and record your pain levels in a diary to discuss with your doctor at follow-up.
- Attend a follow-up appointment (usually in 1-2 weeks) to assess the procedure's effectiveness and plan next steps.
- Resume medications as directed by your physician.
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time:
1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lumbar medial branch block in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for lumbar medial branch block in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lumbar medial branch block. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lumbar medial branch block compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Lumbar Medial Branch Block in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing lumbar medial branch block.
Bangalore, India
105 Doctors
Emily Khan, a 38-year-old graphic designer...
Emily Khan, a 38-year-old graphic designer and mother of two young children, developed persistent lower back pain after the birth of her second child. The pain was a sharp, stabbing sensation on the left side, exacerbated by bending, lifting her toddler, or even sitting for long periods at her desk. It drained her energy and made her feel like she was failing at juggling motherhood and her career. After months of core-strengthening physiotherapy yielded minimal improvement, her physiatrist referred her to a spine specialist. The specialist, noting her pain pattern and tenderness over specific spinal joints, suggested a Lumbar Medial Branch Block to diagnose facet joint pain. Emily was anxious about the needles and the potential of finding 'nothing wrong,' but she agreed, clinging to the hope of being more present for her kids. The procedure was straightforward, and the staff was reassuring. The post-procedure pain relief period was a revelation, she played on the floor with her children without wincing. Though the pain gradually returned, the experience was a emotional turning point. It wasn't 'in her head'; there was a identifiable, treatable source. The successful diagnostic block gave her confidence to proceed with a longer-term treatment plan, replacing her anxiety with a sense of control and optimism.
Spine surgeons for Lumbar Medial Branch Block
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform lumbar medial branch block and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon