Facet Joint Injections & Medial Branch Blocks in Houston

Not all back or neck pain comes from discs or nerves in the legs and arms. Small stabilizing joints along the spine—facet joints—can become a steady source of aching, especially with extension, twisting, or prolonged standing. At TX Spine and Joint in Houston, Dr. Ankur Mehta offers facet blocks and medial branch blocks (MBB) as part of pain therapy care for patients in the Spring Branch area and beyond.

What Are Facet Blocks and Medial Branch Blocks?

Facet joint injections (facet blocks) place numbing medicine—and often a steroid—into or around a facet joint to reduce inflammation and test whether that joint is a pain generator.

Medial branch blocks (MBB) numb the tiny nerves (medial branches) that carry pain signals from facet joints. MBBs are often used as a diagnostic step: if pain drops meaningfully while the medicine is working, those nerves—and the joints they serve—are likely involved. That information can guide whether radiofrequency ablation is a reasonable next discussion.

Both procedures use image guidance for accuracy.

Who May Be a Candidate?

Generally (not medical advice), people we evaluate for facet-related care often report:

  • Localized low back or neck pain that worsens with bending backward or twisting
  • Morning stiffness that eases somewhat with gentle movement
  • Pain after prior injury or cumulative wear
  • Limited lasting help from oral meds and therapy alone

Radiating leg or arm pain as the *main* symptom may point more toward nerve-root approaches such as an epidural. Overlap is common—we sort that out in clinic.

What to Expect

1. Evaluation. History, exam, and imaging review. 2. Injection visit. Brief outpatient procedure with local anesthesia; sedation when appropriate. 3. Symptom diary. Especially after MBB, we may ask you to note how much relief you felt and for how long—that feedback matters. 4. Next steps. Options may include repeat blocks, therapy progression, or discussion of radiofrequency if diagnostic blocks support it.

We avoid overselling duration of relief. Your response guides the plan.

How Therapy Fits

Facet pain often coexists with weak or tight supporting muscles. PT (and aqua when land exercise is hard) helps restore motion and control. OT can adapt desk or work setups that keep aggravating the neck or low back. Post-procedure therapy timing is individualized.

Related Pages

What to Bring / Insurance

Bring your insurance card, medication list, and imaging if available. Coverage for facet blocks and MBBs varies—our staff can help you ask your plan.

Ready to Talk?

Call 832-849-0909 · Text 832-909-0869 · Schedule Now

TX Spine and Joint · 8830 Long Point Rd. #502, Houston, TX 77055 Hours: Mon–Thu 8:00am–5:00pm · Friday 8:00am–4:00pm

*Educational information only—not a diagnosis. Care is individualized after clinical evaluation.*