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Diagnostic Procedure for Chronic Neck Pain

Cervical Medial Branch Blocks in Phoenix, AZ

Chronic neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced range of motion, and pain that spreads into the shoulders or arms can make daily life exhausting. Many patients try medications, physical therapy, or rest, but the pain keeps returning because the true source is not identified. The right solution can be found with cervical medial branch blocks in Phoenix.

This accurate diagnostic procedure helps determine whether your neck pain is coming from the facet joints in the cervical spine. At Comprehensive Pain Management, we offer cervical medial branch block injections to identify pain sources and guide the right treatment plan.

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What are Cervical Medial Branch Blocks?

Cervical medial branch blocks in Phoenix are diagnostic injections we use to find out if neck pain is coming from the facet joints. Facet joints allow the neck to move smoothly and stay stable. Each joint is connected to small nerves called medial branch nerves. When these joints become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic, the nerves send ongoing pain signals to the brain, leading to chronic neck pain or stiffness.

In the body, medial branch nerves act as messengers for pain coming from the facet joints. During this test, a small amount of numbing medication temporarily blocks these nerves. If pain significantly decreases, it confirms the facet joint as the source of pain. This information helps determine whether further treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation, are likely to provide longer-lasting relief.

Suitable Candidates in Phoenix

You may benefit from cervical medial branch blocks in Phoenix if you have:

  • Chronic neck pain lasting over 3 months
  • Pain worsened by turning or tilting the head
  • Neck pain after whiplash or injury
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • Suspected facet joint arthritis
  • Limited relief from conservative treatments

Conditions Treated

Cervical facet joint pain

Chronic neck stiffness

Whiplash-related neck pain

Cervicogenic headaches

Degenerative disc and joint disease

Post-injury neck pain

Benefits of Cervical Medial Branch Blocks in Phoenix

Choosing these blocking injections allows for targeted, evidence-based care. This injection:

  • Precisely identifies the source of neck pain.
  • Minimally invasive diagnostic procedure
  • Quick procedure with same-day results
  • Helps avoid unnecessary treatments
  • Guides long-term pain relief options
  • Improves the accuracy of treatment planning
  • Often performed without sedation.

How the Procedure Works

Most patients require little preparation. We might ask you to avoid eating for a few hours and pause certain medications. Comfortable clothing is recommended, and someone may drive you home if advised.

At Comprehensive Pain Management, Dr. KellerShabrokh performs cervical medial branch blocks in Phoenix with precision and safety:

  1. Dr. KellerShabrokh cleans the skin and numbs the treatment area.
  2. He uses imaging guidance to place the needle with precision.
  3. He injects a small amount of numbing medication to block the medial branch nerves.
  4. He treats one or multiple levels based on your symptoms.
  5. He checks your pain relief shortly after the procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours. Temporary soreness may last 1–3 days. Pain relief from diagnostic blocks is usually felt within minutes to hours and may last several hours to a day.

Aftercare Tips

  • Rest the neck on the day of the procedure.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
  • Use ice for mild soreness.
  • Track pain relief and symptom changes.
  • Follow all provider instructions carefully.

Schedule Your Chronic Neck Pain Diagnosis in Phoenix

Take the next step toward answers and relief. Comprehensive Pain Management, led by Dr. James KellerShabrokh, D.O., focuses on accurate diagnosis and personalized pain management solutions.

We are trusted across Arizona with a 4.9 Google rating for patient satisfaction and quality care. We offer cervical medial branch blocks in Phoenix at convenient locations:

  • North Scottsdale
  • Tempe
  • Avondale / Phoenix

An accurate diagnosis makes all the difference in choosing the right treatment and achieving better results. Visit us at 8841 East Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ, or call (602) 971-8200 to schedule your appointment today.

FAQs

Risks are low and may include temporary soreness, mild bleeding, or infection.

They may be right if neck pain is suspected to come from facet joints and has not improved with conservative care.

Follow medication instructions, avoid heavy meals before the procedure, and wear comfortable clothing.

Yes. When performed by experienced providers, it is considered a safe diagnostic procedure.

Pain relief is temporary, usually lasting hours to a day, and is used to confirm the pain source.

Common CPT codes for cervical medial branch blocks include 64490, 64491, and 64492, depending on the number of cervical levels treated.

 

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.