9834 Genesee Ave, Ste 223B La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 277-7123 Monday -Thursday, 8am - 4:30pm. Friday 8am - 12pm.
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Facet blocks and Medial Branch Blocks

Services

Testimonials

Dr. Scott and Staff always go above and beyond in helping my husband’s and my needs. He’s compassionate , understanding and his medical knowledge and skills are exceptional. Vincent his assistant is the best. He’s very thoroughly and helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Robert Scott’s office.

Lan T. Source: Google

I have absolutely no reservations in recommending Dr. Robert Scott Jr. for medical treatment. Dr. Scott is a caring professional who always takes the time to explain to me, the nature of my problems and my treatment options. Any questions or concerns that I have, are promptly addressed. He has treated me for different issues and when necessary, has coordinated treatment with other health care professionals. I feel that I am receiving the best possible care. Re his staff: they are always very professional, courteous, helpful, and friendly.

Susan T. Source: Google

I am so thankful for Dr. Scott and his kind staff. They went out of their way to get a procedure authorized for me as quickly as possible even though I knew it was a long shot! I would recommend Dr. Scott to anyone in pain seeking increased mobility through non-surgical measures.

Madeleine M. Source: Google

These procedures are used to diagnose and treat low back pain caused by inflamed, strained, or arthritic joints in the back and neck. The joints line the spine on both sides, lie deep to the paraspinal muscles but closer to the skin than the discs and nerves. Pain is typically local, worsened with standing or with any prolonged position, and worsened with leaning back as opposed to bending forward. Pain is not associated with any numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. Each joint is typically fed by 2 tiny nerves that transmit pain signals from the joints towards the brain.

Facet blocks:   A physician, using an x-ray machine, can inject the joints with a very small amount of anesthetic and cortisone to provide pain relief that may last from several weeks to several months. These work best to treat pain following injuries or to treat flares of pain and those of chronic conditions. Chronic pain due to facet joint conditions is typically initially addressed with medial branch blocks.

Medial Branch blocks:  This procedure involves the placement of local anesthetic only on the tiny nerves to the facet joints, for the purpose of diagnosing which joint(s) causes the pain. The local anesthetic lasts about 8 hours. If the patient’s pain resolves for this period of time than we have identified the source of pain, the facet joint. The patient may then be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation (AKA facet rhizotomy) procedures, to provide longer-lasting relief of pain from the facet joints.