After the pain physician has determined which spinal joints are responsible for causing pain (by the median branch block) he will use a specialized needle to permanently block the pain signals. This needle is placed alongside the nerves which give feeling to the involved facet joint. The needle tip is heated to 80 degrees for 2 minutes which then activates 3 nerves. The patient feels only a vague warm sensation in their back but often obtains pain relief for 6-10 months (until the nerves grow back).
