Medial branch nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation represent a proven, two-step approach to diagnosing and treating chronic neck and back pain originating from the facet joints. These small joints, located between each vertebra, can become arthritic and inflamed, generating significant discomfort. The medial branch nerves are tiny nerve pathways that transmit pain signals from these joints to your brain. The first step, a medial branch block, is a highly precise diagnostic procedure where a local anesthetic is injected near these specific nerves under imaging guidance. If you experience substantial pain relief following the injection, it confirms that the facet joints are the source of your pain and that you are a candidate for the longer-lasting solution: Radiofrequency Ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that builds upon the success of the diagnostic block. This therapy uses a precisely controlled electrical current to generate heat, which is applied to the medial branch nerves identified during the diagnostic procedure. This thermal energy effectively interrupts the nerves’ ability to transmit pain signals to the brain, providing remarkable pain reduction that can last for several months to over a year. The procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment under local anesthetic, with a thin needle carefully guided using fluoroscopy to the targeted nerve. Once positioned, a small radiofrequency current creates a precise lesion that disrupts the pain signal. Patients return home the same day, and while some initial soreness may occur, lasting pain relief typically emerges over the next few weeks, offering a powerful path to sustained comfort and renewed activity.