Medial Branch Blocks are minimally invasive procedures performed under live X-Ray guidance that are used to diagnose and treat pain arising from the small joints of the spine. Diseases of these joints can produce pain in the neck, upper and lower back, and buttocks. Just like any other joint in the body (such as the knee or elbow) these joints may be acutely injured or produce chronic pain due to conditions such as arthritis. Medial Branch Blocks deliver low doses of long-lasting corticosteroids and local anesthetics directly to the source of the pain to alleviate discomfort. These procedures take approximately 5 minutes to perform and may be done under either local anesthetic agents or monitored anesthesia care.