Skip to content 
Advanced Spine Nerve Therapy
Expert Nerve Blockers Near You in New Jersey
For patients who struggle with back pain, a diagnosis is the first step toward relief. Get answers at Kurdali Spine & Pain. We provide medial branch blocks (nerve blockers) at locations near you in New Jersey to quickly and accurately pinpoint the source of pain. This procedure lets us diagnose pain and plan the most effective treatment to provide significant and long-lasting relief.
Key Takeaways
- Medial branch blocks, also called nerve blockers, are a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure to pinpoint the source of facet joint-related pain.
- Candidates for medial branch blocks include patients with back pain or inflammation caused by arthritis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, or scoliosis.
- Kurdali Spine & Pain provides non-surgical relief for neck, back, nerve, muscle, and joint pain, offering same-day treatment for patients in New Jersey.
What Are Medial Branch Blocks?
Medial branch blocks, also called nerve blockers, are a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose facet joint pain. Facet joints are the joints that connect vertebrae (spinal bones). Each facet joint houses two medial branch nerves that transmit pain signals from the spine to the brain. By targeting these nerves, blockers can pinpoint the source of spine pain and provide temporary relief.
To perform a medial branch block, Dr. Basil Kurdali uses medical imaging to insert a needle into the fibro-osseous canal. This is the enclosure of bone and soft tissue that surrounds the medial nerve. The needle is used to inject medication into the fibro-osseous canal, blocking pain from the nerve within. If the patient experiences significant relief, then Dr. Kurdali knows that the facet joints are responsible for their pain. He can also confirm that the patient will respond well to radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
What Do Medial Branch Blocks Diagnose?
Medial branch blocks are primarily used to diagnose facet joint syndrome. Facet joint syndrome is a collection of symptoms caused by inflammation in the facet joints. Its indicators include:
- Aching pain
- Pain that feels worse after exercise or periods of inactivity
- Pain that feels worse when bending backward
- Tender zones of tissue over the spine
- Stiffness, especially after sleeping or long periods of inactivity
- A feeling of grinding in the spinal joints
Depending on which facet joints are affected, the pain may occur in the neck or the upper, middle, or lower back. It is commonly felt on one side of the body (unilaterally), though some patients may experience symptoms on both sides of the body (bilaterally). Medial nerve blocks are used to identify the specific joint or joints that are responsible for causing pain.
Who Is a Candidate for Medial Branch Blocks?
Candidates for medial branch blocks include anyone who struggles with facet joint pain. There are several conditions that affect the facet joints, causing symptoms like those described above. Patients with the following conditions may be candidates for medial branch blocks:
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of facet joint pain. This condition is caused by the degeneration of cartilage in the spine. A lifetime of wear and tear causes cartilage to break down, becoming thin and brittle. Without enough cartilage to separate them, the bones in the spine begin to grind against one another. This grinding causes pain and stiffness in the facet joints.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae slips forward over the one below it. Spinal discs degenerate and become thinner over time. This creates empty space between vertebrae, increasing the likelihood that one will slip out of alignment. The misaligned vertebrae create pressure on the bones, nerves, and other tissues below it, causing inflammation and pain.
Repetitive Use Injuries
Repetitive use injuries are injuries caused by repetitive movements. Repeated bending, twisting, or lifting causes tiny amounts of damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones in the spine. Over time, this damage builds up into a serious injury. Repetitive use injuries are common in athletes, active adults, and people who work jobs that involve heavy lifting.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It is usually present from birth but gets worse over the person’s lifetime. The deformity changes how the spine carries weight, creating more stress on one side of the spine than the other. This increases the pressure on certain facet joints. Over time, the increased pressure results in facet joint pain and other symptoms.
What Happens Before a Medial Branch Block?
Before performing a medial branch block, Dr. Kurdali performs a thorough pre-treatment assessment. This step is important to ensure that the procedure is safe and suitable for the patient’s condition. The assessment typically follows several steps:
- Medical history: Dr. Kurdali reviews the patient’s medical history for pre-existing conditions, medications, and allergies that may interfere with test results.
- Physical examination: Dr. Kurdali assesses the spine and asks questions about the patient’s symptoms to locate the source of pain and rule out alternative causes.
- Medical imaging: Dr. Kurdali uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray scans to examine the facet joints closely for damage or inflammation.
If the assessment indicates that the patient’s condition is facet joint-related, then Dr. Kurdali will move forward with the nerve block. If there is a risk of a problematic interaction or allergic reaction, then he may discuss alternatives or ways to reduce the likelihood of complications.
What Can I Expect from a Medial Branch Block?
Medial branch blocks are a fast and simple outpatient procedure. Patients start by changing into a hospital gown before lying face down on a comfortable table. Dr. Kurdali then performs the following steps:
- Cleans and disinfects the skin over the target joint
- Injects a local anesthetic to numb the skin and tissues near the facet joint
- Uses X-ray or ultrasound imaging to guide the placement of two thin needles, with one needle placed near each of the medial branch nerves in the target joint
- Injects a small amount of contrast dye, which helps confirm that the needles are correctly placed and that the medication will not enter the bloodstream
- Slowly injects the medication into each medial branch nerve
- If multiple facet joints may be contributing to the patient’s pain, he repeats the test within the same session for efficient diagnosis
- Removes the needle and applies gentle pressure to prevent bleeding
- Cleans the treatment site and applies a dressing
The initial procedure takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, the patient remains at Kurdali Spine & Pain for 30 to 60 minutes of observation. During this period, Dr. Kurdali may ask the patient to perform small movements that would usually trigger facet joint pain. This helps him assess pain relief. Patients are released to go home once Dr. Kurdali is confident in his assessment. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to repeat the procedure a few weeks later. The second procedure helps to control potential placebo effects from the first injection.
What Are the Results from Medial Branch Blocks?
After receiving a medial branch block, patients are encouraged to maintain a pain journal on the day of the injection. Detailed documentation helps Dr. Kurdali assess the results accurately. If the facet joint is responsible for the patient’s pain, then the patient should experience partial or complete relief within two to six hours after the injection. The relief should wear off within a day.
If the patient experiences at least 80% improvement in their pain, then they may be considered for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Significant improvement indicates that RFA may be effective at providing lasting pain relief.
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of a Medial Branch Block Injection?
Medial branch block injections are a simple, safe procedure that is tolerated well by most patients. While they may cause some side effects, they are typically temporary and mild. Common side effects of nerve blocks include:
- Soreness
- Numbness
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Mild bleeding or bruising
- Slowed heart rate
- Sweating
- Dizziness
There is a small risk of adverse reactions caused by incorrect needle placement or an allergic sensitivity to the anesthetic used. Serious side effects include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Heavy bruising
- Worsening pain
- Fever
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea or vomiting
Patients who experience any of the above symptoms should seek medical care to prevent serious complications.
What Are the Next Steps?
After receiving the results from a medial branch block, it is time to discuss the next steps. If the nerve block provided relief, the pain originates within the facet joint. Dr. Kurdali will discuss treatment options for facet joint pain, which may include:
- Facet joint injections: This procedure is performed similarly to a medial branch block but injects a different type of medication that provides longer-lasting relief.
- Radiofrequency ablation: RFA uses radio waves to burn and destroy the medial branch nerve. It provides significant relief that may last for years or until the nerve regrows.
If the nerve block did not provide relief, then the facet joint is not responsible for the patient’s pain. Further testing may be necessary to confirm the correct diagnosis.
Why Choose Kurdali Spine & Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons to seek medical care. Kurdali Spine & Pain helps patients get answers and fast relief. We are led by Dr. Basil Kurdali, a board-certified pain management doctor who draws upon his expertise to deliver a higher level of care. Using advanced, non-surgical procedures, Dr. Kurdali provides accurate diagnoses and effective relief without a long recovery.
We also help patients get relief quickly. We understand that patients in pain do not want to wait for treatment, which is why we provide same-day diagnoses and treatments whenever possible to help patients go home with less pain.
Get Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
If you struggle with neck or back pain, your facet joints may be responsible. Get a diagnosis with medial branch blocks (nerve blockers) from Kurdali Spine & Pain. We serve patients across New Jersey with a full range of non-surgical relief options for neck, back, nerve, muscle, and joint pain. To learn more about our services or to schedule your first appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey, contact us today.
Medial Branch Block FAQ
How do medial branch blocks differ from facet joint or epidural steroid injections?
Medial branch blocks are a diagnostic procedure. They use local anesthetic medication to pinpoint the source of pain. Facet joint injections and epidural steroid injections, meanwhile, are therapies. They use corticosteroid medication to treat facet joint inflammation or nerve pain.
What risks or side effects should I watch for?
Patients should watch for excessive bleeding, heavy bruising, worsening pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, and severe dizziness.
What happens if the medial branch block works—do I qualify for RFA?
Typically, yes. If the medial branch block is effective, it indicates the problem stems from your facet joints. This means you are generally a candidate for RFA.
