Lateral Branch Block
Without getting too deeply into neuroanatomy, it is important to know that sensation in the SI joint is conveyed to the spinal cord through what is called the lateral branch of the dorsal root of a spinal nerve.
There is also a medial branch block. The medial branch nerves serve the same function in small joints of the spine as the lateral branch nerves.
During a lateral branch block, our physician will numb the lateral branch at the spinal levels deemed appropriate by using fluoroscopy to visualize your anatomy.
If the SI joint is the source of pain, numbing the nerves that send that pain signal to the brain will cause a decrease in pain or eliminate it completely.
This is a diagnostic procedure that helps the physician determine if your pain is coming from your SI joint and whether you are a candidate for a Radiofrequency Neurotomy or Lateral Branch Neurotomy.
