- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
- #100 - 325 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5
- (403) 265-3838
- (403) 351-8882 (FAX)
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Does disruption of the medial branch nerve through medial branch blocks (MBBs) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) impair postural balance in adults with chronic axial cervical or lumbar spine pain, and are any balance changes associated with pain relief, spinal level treated, or sensory reweighting?
People with chronic neck or low back pain had worse balance than healthy individuals, especially when standing with their eyes closed. This was most noticeable in patients whose pain came from the facet joints (those who had at least 50% pain relief after treatment). For most patients, balance did not get worse after MBB or RFA. An important exception was patients who had procedures at the C2/3 level in the upper neck, who showed increased unsteadiness afterward. Pain severity and short-term pain relief did not directly relate to balance changes. Some patients who improved with treatment showed signs that their bodies adjusted how they use sensory information to stay balanced, rather than losing balance control.
MBBs and RFAs are widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of facet-mediated spinal pain, and concerns about potential balance impairment may influence patient counseling and clinical decision-making. These findings are reassuring, demonstrating a low overall risk of inducing new balance deficits following cervical (excluding C2/3) or lumbar MBB/RFA procedures. However, persistent balance impairments in patients with facetogenic pain highlight the need to address balance and sensorimotor function as part of comprehensive care. The observed C2/3-specific effects underscore the importance of targeted risk counseling and further research into cervical proprioceptive contributions to postural control.
If you have questions or comments about this post, please email us at research@vivocura.ca
NOTE: This was written to help the reader become familiar with some of the research we are doing here at Vivo Cura Health. This post, and all other content on this website are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a certified healthcare provider to discuss if a treatment is right for you.
