At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, we offer Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)—a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-lasting relief from chronic neck, back, and joint pain. This advanced treatment is ideal for patients who have not achieved adequate relief from more conservative therapies, such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.

How It Works:
Radiofrequency Ablation uses radio wave-generated heat to target specific nerves that are transmitting pain signals. By carefully applying controlled thermal energy to these nerves, the procedure disrupts their ability to send pain signals to the brain, effectively "turning off" the pain in the targeted area. This allows patients to experience significant relief and return to daily activities with improved comfort and mobility.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
RFA is often recommended for individuals suffering from:

-Chronic neck or lower back pain caused by arthritis or facet joint dysfunction
-Pain originating from the sacroiliac (SI) joint
-Radiating pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications

Before undergoing RFA, patients may first receive diagnostic nerve blocks (such as Facet Joint or Nerve Root Injections) to confirm the exact location of the pain source. If these tests successfully relieve pain, RFA can be performed to provide longer-term results.

The Procedure:
Radiofrequency Ablation is performed in our state-of-the-art, in-house procedure suite using fluoroscopic guidance(real-time X-ray imaging) to ensure precision and safety. A small electrode is inserted near the targeted nerve, and radiofrequency energy is delivered to heat and deactivate the nerve. The procedure is quick, typically taking 30-45 minutes, and is performed on an outpatient basis with minimal discomfort.

Benefits of RFA:

-Long-Lasting Relief: Pain relief can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the individual.

-Minimally Invasive: No surgery or extended recovery time is needed.

-Improved Functionality: Patients often experience improved mobility and the ability to perform daily activities pain-free.

Complementary to Rehabilitation: With pain reduced, patients can engage more effectively in physical therapy and strength-building exercises for long-term results.

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, our expert team is dedicated to providing innovative and effective pain management solutions. Radiofrequency Ablation empowers patients who are struggling with chronic pain to regain control of their lives and experience lasting relief.