Cervical Radiculopathy

Medial Branch Blocks (Cervical/Lumbar)

Chronic neck or back pain from facet joint issues can significantly impact your daily life. Medial branch blocks offer targeted pain relief by precisely blocking nerve signals from inflamed facet joints, helping you return to the activities you love.

Precision pain relief for facet joint conditions—all under one roof.

Find a Spine, Neck & Back Specialist Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule Your Consultation

Our pain management specialists will evaluate your condition and determine if medial branch blocks are right for you.
(855) 750-5757

Your Treatment Options for Medial Branch Blocks (Cervical/Lumbar)

At Synergy Health Partners, our pain management physicians use advanced imaging guidance to perform precise medial branch blocks for cervical and lumbar facet joint pain. We offer comprehensive care from initial diagnosis through follow-up treatments.
  • Board-certified pain management physicians with extensive experience
  • State-of-the-art fluoroscopic guidance for precise needle placement
  • Outpatient procedures performed in our accredited surgery centers
  • Comprehensive follow-up care and additional treatment options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Start With the Least-Invasive Options

Most patients improve without surgery. Our team takes a conservative-first approach with treatments designed to reduce pain, improve strength, and prevent future flare-ups.

Non-Surgical Spine, Neck & Back Treatments

  • Diagnostic Medial Branch Block A diagnostic injection using local anesthetic to confirm facet joint involvement in your pain. This temporary block helps determine if you're a candidate for radiofrequency ablation or other targeted treatments.
    • Fluoroscopy-guided precision targeting
    • Real-time pain assessment during procedure
  • Therapeutic Medial Branch Block Uses a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid to provide longer-lasting pain relief. Many patients experience significant improvement for several months following this treatment.
    • Extended pain relief with steroid medication
    • Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
  • Physical Therapy Integration Following successful medial branch blocks, our physical therapists work with you to strengthen supporting muscles and improve mobility. This comprehensive approach helps maximize and extend your pain relief.
    • Customized exercise programs
    • Manual therapy techniques
  • Pain Management Optimization Our pain specialists may combine medial branch blocks with other treatments such as oral medications, topical therapies, or lifestyle modifications for comprehensive pain management.
    • Multimodal pain management approach
    • Coordinated care with other specialists
Star
Over 80% of patients experience significant pain reduction within hours of their medial branch block procedure.

Surgical Options

If Surgery is Right for You

Procedures are determined after evaluation—this list is for education only.
lumbar laminectomy

Watch how our pain management specialists perform precision medial branch blocks using advanced fluoroscopic guidance.

Surgical Spine, Neck & Back Procedures

  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Following successful diagnostic medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to create precise lesions on the medial branch nerves. This minimally invasive procedure can provide pain relief lasting 12-24 months.
  • Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation An advanced form of RFA that uses cooled technology to create larger, more precise lesions. This technique often provides longer-lasting relief and is particularly effective for lumbar facet joint pain.
  • Pulsed Radiofrequency A gentler alternative to traditional RFA that uses pulsed energy rather than continuous heat. This technique preserves nerve function while providing effective pain relief, making it ideal for cervical spine treatments.
Star
Studies show that 85% of patients who respond well to diagnostic medial branch blocks achieve significant long-term pain relief with radiofrequency ablation.

What to Expect During Your Medial Branch Block

1

Pre-Procedure Consultation

Your pain management physician reviews your imaging studies, discusses the procedure, and answers all your questions.

2

Preparation and Positioning

You'll be positioned comfortably on the procedure table, and the injection site will be thoroughly cleaned and numbed.

3

Fluoroscopic Guidance

Using real-time X-ray imaging, your physician precisely locates the medial branch nerves and positions the needle accurately.

4

Medication Injection

Local anesthetic (and steroid if therapeutic) is carefully injected around the targeted nerve branches.

5

Recovery and Assessment

You'll be monitored briefly in recovery, and your pain levels will be assessed to evaluate the block's effectiveness.

REAL EXPERIENCES—FROM EVALUATION THROUGH RECOVERY.

What Patients Say

SP
My father had spine surgery with Dr. Munk and was happy with the results. Dr Munk has always been very helpful, courteous and compassionate towards both my father and myself. These reviews must be a small handful out of 1000's. I'm in need of shoulder surgery myself now and if Dr. Munk could do, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment. He's a wonderful doctor. My father thinks he's a rock star!

Self-verified P.

M
I went to Dr.Munk. He was amazing! They were quick and efficient. Only waited like 15 minutes. Highly recommend Dr. Munk

Melissa

SP
Injections were good , I was so nervous on how it was going to be but the appointment was fast and easy . Now hoping to have injections work and last awhile .

Self-verified P.

ER
Straight shooter, you tell him your problems he will tell you what he can help with and what's beyond his contro, then he DELIVERS. One of the best orthopedic specialists..

E R.

DL
My husband has Si joint fusion surgery done on 8/30/2019 and the experience we had at this surgery center was nothing but the best. They are all amazing staff there. Very caring and welcoming. The facility was also very clean ? Our discharge nurse was heather and she was amazing . So nice and answered all of our questions . Also Dr Munk is an amazing spine surgeon and would recommend him and his staff there to anyone .

Dee L.

A
Met Dr.Monk for the first time, very nice doctor, respectful and came right to the point, he told me what I wanted to hear my condition and it's ongoing

Anonymous

R
All of the doctors and staff are very friendly the wait in the waiting room is never long the x-ray tech Karen is very sweet love Dr. Oddo he has been a godsend to me the doctors actually listen to you and take their time.

refreshingmylife

CS
I was very impressed with Dr. Munk. He is very personable and professional. He took his time with me and did not rush me out as he answered all of my questions and concerns.

Connie S.

A
Dr oddo has helped me very much not only with pain but guiding me to ways to help me to find ways i need to consider to get rid of the pain that is really really bad most a 10 every day es with out his ensight i dont think i would be able to make it though the day

Anonymous

CR
Mendelson Kornblum has the best doctors and staff. They have same day appointments for serious injuries. I definitely recommend them to friends and family. Dr. Mulawa is the best! Spends quality time with me reviewing different treatments. Never long wait times and super friendly staff. Dr. Munk is the best orthopedic surgeon around. He makes you feel comfortable and spends time answering questions regarding any surgical procedures.

Cheryl R.

CS
I've been to Dr. Kornblum for lower back surgery and Dr. Munk for SI Joint surgeries and I've always been treated very well. Both were very professional and up front about everything that I was dealing with, and what to expect. No false hope. But most of all, they were both very easy to talk to about any concerns that I had. I'm very grateful that they were able to help me the way they did. I've never had any issues with Mendelson/Kornblum in Livonia. Whether it's billing, appointments or checking in, or anything else, everyone's been friendly and helpful.

Cindy S.

A
A very pleasant and knowledgeable Doctor who is offering a solution to not only treat symptoms of Sacroiliac joint disorders , but make them also disappear . I can recommend him to everybody.

Anonymous

NY
Excellent care and service. From the moment I walked in the door I was impressed by the service of the front desk ladies to my dr. Dr. Munk diagnosed, treated and corrected my condition with confidence and no worries on my end. Best dr I have had. Would recommend him 10/10.

Nas Y.

MR
I've had the greatest of care at the office. Dr Oddo has been very caring and takes the time to go over any situation of care. I would highly recommend the office. The staff is also very pleasant. I just have to say Thank you.

Mike R.

TM
Hit the nail right on the head with my diagnosis. Dr. Munk listens and doesn't rush. He takes his time and weighs all options.

Theresa M.

SP
Highly recommend Dr Munk for the SI joint surgery with the iFuse implant .A master of the implant SI Joint surgery!

Self-verified P.

CK
I was very impressed with Dr Munk. He knew exactly what my problem is and we are working to get the problem fixed. I have lived with back pain for several years. Dr Munk was very thorough, kind and gave me the answers I needed. I would definetly recommend. The staff was also wonderful, very friendly and helpful. The wait was not long at all and I had all my paperwork completed before I arrived.

Carrie K.

KM
Dr. Monk helps you understand the procedure your about to have. I was very comfortable with him and his team.

Kristi M.

A
Dr. McCarty is the BEST!!! He has taken such good care of my 93 yr. old Mom!! Operated on her with no complications. Explained into great detail about her surgery and recovery. Compassionate and LISTENED! Answered all of our questions. My Mother instantly fell in love with him! Never in a rush to leave the room. I would highly recommend Dr. Scott McCarty!! Thank you so much!! Her daughter, Susan Gonsler

Anonymous

KL
de munk is a very kind caring Dr i finally found an incredible spine dr that listens to your symptoms and is very caring and down to earth I would highly recommend all the physicians and physican assistants and staff

Kimberly L.

Your Spine, Neck & Back Experts

Meet the providers who specialize in Spine, Neck & Back

Mohamed Salar, MD
Spine, Neck & Back

Mohamed Salar, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
Book Appointment
jeffrey varghese md
Spine, Neck & Back

Jeffrey Varghese, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
Book Appointment
scott mccarthy
Spine, Neck & Back

Scott McCarty, MD

Medical Director of Spine, Back & Neck

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
Book Appointment
joseph maslak md
Spine, Neck & Back

Joseph Maslak, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
Book Appointment
andres munk md
Spine, Neck & Back

Andres Munk, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0
Book Appointment
View Spine, Neck & Back Team

Spine, Neck & Back Care Near Me

Full-Service Clinics

Troy

Directions
5107 Rochester Rd Troy, MI 48085 • (855) 750-5757
Full-Service Clinics

Sterling Heights

Directions
35735 Mound Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 • (855) 750-5757
Surgical Centers

Synergy Surgery Center

Directions
5504 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48071 • (586) 838-2035
Full-Service Clinics

Southfield

Directions
29275 Northwestern Hwy, #207, Southfield, MI 48034 • (855) 750-5757
Full-Service Clinics

Port Huron

Directions
600 Fort St #100, Port Huron, MI 48060 • (855) 750-5757
Surgical Centers

Genesys
Surgery Center

Directions
36622 Five Mile Rd, Suite 201, Livonia, MI 48154 • (855) 750-5757
Full-Service Clinics

Livonia

Directions
36622 Five Mile Rd, Suite 101, Livonia, MI 48154 • (855) 750-5757
Book Appointment

PRECISION PAIN RELIEF

Why Choose Synergy?

Our pain management specialists combine advanced imaging technology with years of experience to deliver precise, effective medial branch blocks in our state-of-the-art facilities.
0 %

Pain Reduction Success Rate

(6 Months)

0 %

Patient Satisfaction

(Post-Procedure)

0 min

Average Procedure Time

(Outpatient)

0 %

Same-Day Discharge Rate

(Return Home)

Data Source: CODE Technology PRO Surveys (2025).