Ultrasound Guided Diagnostic Cervical Medial Branch Block

Ultrasound Guided Diagnostic Cervical Medial Branch Block

The diagnostic cervical branch block for neck pain due to cervical facet joint pain has been traditionally done under fluoroscopic guidance. Its diagnostic value and technique have been well established. However, recently some studies have shown that the diagnostic cervical and lumbar medial branch block can be done under ultrasound guidance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy volunteers
• patients who have headache, neck pain, and shoulder pain due to possible facet joint disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients/volunteers with BMI > 35
• patients/volunteers with short thick neck
• coagulopathy
• allergy to local anesthetic, ultrasound gel
• patient unable to fill out post procedure pain diary