Chronic neck or lower back pain can significantly affect daily life, particularly when conservative treatments no longer provide lasting relief. Medial branch transection is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat pain originating from the facet joints and may provide longer-term relief for properly selected patients.
At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, Dr. Justin Ledesma performs medial branch transection as part of a comprehensive, individualized approach to spine pain.
What Is Medial Branch Transection?
Medial branch transection is a targeted procedure that interrupts the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the facet joints of the cervical and lumbar spine to the brain. Facet joint pain commonly develops due to arthritis, degenerative spine changes, or repetitive mechanical stress.
By interrupting these nerves, the procedure reduces pain transmission while preserving spinal strength, stability, and range of motion. It is typically considered after non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections have provided only temporary improvement.
Who May Be a Candidate?
Medial branch transection may be appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria:
- Chronic neck or low back pain lasting longer than three months
- Pain confirmed to originate from the facet joints
- Temporary relief following diagnostic medial branch blocks
A thorough evaluation is required to determine whether this procedure is the right option.
How Medial Branch Transection Treats Spine Pain
The procedure is performed using advanced imaging guidance to ensure precision and safety. Because it is minimally invasive, it is typically completed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
The goal of medial branch transection is to provide longer-lasting pain relief, reduce reliance on pain medications, and improve mobility and daily function. Dr. Justin Ledesma carefully evaluates each patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging studies before recommending treatment.
Conditions Treated with Medial Branch Transection
This procedure is most commonly used to treat facet-mediated neck and low back pain, including pain caused by facet joint arthritis and degenerative spine conditions. Symptoms are often worsened by twisting, bending, or prolonged standing.
Expert Spine Care on Long Island
Not all back or neck pain has the same underlying cause, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential. At Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island, Dr. Ledesma takes a patient-centered, evidence-based approach to spine care, ensuring that advanced procedures are recommended only when they are medically appropriate.
To learn more about medial branch transection or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Justin Ledesma, visit Spine Medicine & Surgery of Long Island.
Learn more about this procedure from Dr. Justin Ledesma.
