Who it helps
Low back or neck pain that is worse with bending back or turning, often with stiffness, where the facet joints are the likely source. Radiofrequency ablation is considered only after a medial branch block confirms that the joints are the cause.
What happens
A medial branch block numbs the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints; if your pain drops substantially for a few hours, the joints are confirmed as the source. Radiofrequency ablation then uses a heated probe, placed with X-ray guidance, to interrupt those nerves for a longer period. Both are outpatient procedures done under local anesthetic.
Conditions we use it for
Part of a plan
Every treatment here is one part of a plan that starts with an evaluation. Your clinician explains the expected benefit and the limits before anything is scheduled, and results vary from person to person.
Related treatments
Epidural Steroid Injections · Genicular Nerve Block & Radiofrequency Ablation · Joint Injections · Trigger Point Injections
Watch and read more
Questions
Who are medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation for?
Low back or neck pain that is worse with bending back or turning, often with stiffness, where the facet joints are the likely source. Radiofrequency ablation is considered only after a medial branch block confirms that the joints are the cause.
What happens during medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation?
A medial branch block numbs the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints; if your pain drops substantially for a few hours, the joints are confirmed as the source. Radiofrequency ablation then uses a heated probe, placed with X-ray guidance, to interrupt those nerves for a longer period. Both are outpatient procedures done under local anesthetic.
Which conditions are medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation used for at Precision Care?
At Precision Care it is used, when the evaluation supports it, for neck pain and lower back pain.
Where can I get medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation in New York City?
At Precision Care offices in Brooklyn (2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101), Staten Island (1630 Richmond Rd, Suite 101) and Midtown Manhattan (150 E 55th St, Suite 401). Call the office to confirm which location offers it on the day you need.
Is it used on its own?
No. It is one part of a plan that starts with an evaluation. Your clinician explains the expected benefit and the limits, and results vary from person to person.
How do I find out if it is covered by my plan?
Call the office with your plan name before your visit and the front desk will check your benefits.
How do I make an appointment?
Request an appointment online at precisioncaremed.com/precisioncare/appointment-request/ or call the office: Brooklyn (718) 648-1234, Staten Island (718) 339-7100, Midtown Manhattan (212) 840-0135. An online request is not a confirmed booking until the office contacts you.
General education, not a diagnosis or individual treatment plan. Results vary from person to person. For a medical emergency, call 911.