Chronic neck and back pain can limit work, recreation and everyday tasks. For many patients in Garden City and throughout Long Island, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a targeted, outpatient way to reduce pain from inflamed spinal joints and irritated nerves. At MK Spine & Joint Rehab (Married Kalter Spine & Joint, P.C.), we evaluate each patient with diagnostic testing and imaging, then consider RFA as part of a combined medical and rehabilitative plan tailored to the individual.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses thermal energy to interrupt pain signals carried by specific sensory nerves. It is commonly used to treat facet-mediated neck and back pain or pain from small joint arthritis when diagnostic nerve blocks suggest the target nerve is the source of pain. Because RFA focuses on the nerve supplying the painful joint rather than the joint itself, many patients experience significant pain relief without open surgery.
Who is a candidate for RFA?
Candidates typically include adults with persistent neck or axial back pain that limits function despite conservative care such as medications, activity modification, and physical therapy. We consider RFA when diagnostic injections (medial branch or facet joint blocks) provide substantial temporary pain relief, which confirms the nerve’s role in the pain pattern.
At MK Spine & Joint Rehab, our assessment uses a multidisciplinary approach including a clinical exam, review of imaging, and—when appropriate—diagnostic nerve testing such as nerve conduction studies/EMG. This individualized evaluation is central to our treatment planning: we aim to identify the anatomic pain generator and select the safest, most effective options for each patient.
How RFA is performed
RFA is done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthetic and conscious sedation when needed. Fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray) or other imaging guides precise placement of a thin probe near the target sensory nerve. After confirming correct position with electrical stimulation and contrast dye if indicated, radiofrequency energy heats the tissue to create a small lesion that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals.
- Typical duration: 20–60 minutes depending on the number of nerves treated.
- Setting: outpatient procedure room with monitoring and recovery area.
- Recovery: most patients go home the same day with a responsible adult and follow specific post‑procedure instructions.
Learn more about our technique and how we integrate RFA with other treatment options on our Radiofrequency Ablations and Minimally Invasive Procedures pages.
What to expect after the procedure
After RFA, many patients notice gradual pain improvement over days to weeks as the surrounding inflammation subsides. Mild soreness at the procedure site is common and usually manageable with short-term acetaminophen or medications already prescribed by your clinician. We emphasize functional recovery: returning to gentle activity early and following a rehabilitation plan helps maximize outcomes.
Most patients experience meaningful pain relief lasting months to over a year; when nerves regenerate, the procedure can be repeated if appropriate. Our care pathways routinely combine RFA with tailored physical therapy, medication management, and activity counseling to improve strength, flexibility and long-term function.
Benefits and limitations
Benefits
- Minimally invasive with short recovery time.
- Targets specific nerves, reducing medication reliance for some patients.
- May significantly reduce pain and improve function for months.
Limitations and considerations
- Not all pain types respond to RFA—accurate diagnosis and positive diagnostic blocks are key.
- It does not reverse structural changes like severe disc collapse; surgical consultation is an alternative if conservative and interventional care are ineffective.
- Risks such as infection, bleeding, or temporary numbness are uncommon but possible; your physician will review these during informed consent.
Risks and how we reduce them
RFA is generally safe when performed by experienced interventional clinicians using imaging guidance. To minimize risk, MK Spine & Joint Rehab employs sterile technique, image guidance, and careful patient selection. We review medical history, medications (including blood thinners), and optimize any comorbid conditions before scheduling. If a patient has complex anatomy or prior spine surgery, we discuss the best individualized plan during the consultation.
Integrating RFA into a broader care plan
RFA is most effective when part of a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses strength, posture, ergonomics and pain management. At our Garden City practice we coordinate RFA with medication management and rehabilitation, tailoring interventions by patient goals and response to treatment. For patients with disc-related symptoms, we also offer other image-guided options such as percutaneous disc decompression; learn more on our Percutaneous Disc Decompression page.
Preparing for your appointment at MK Spine & Joint Rehab
Your initial visit includes a focused history, physical exam and review of imaging. We may recommend diagnostic injections or nerve testing (NCS/EMG) to improve diagnostic accuracy. If RFA is appropriate, we explain the rationale, expected benefits and follow-up plan so you can make an informed decision.
We provide care in our outpatient offices in Garden City and Hauppauge; to schedule a consultation, book at our Garden City office or contact our team to discuss the best location and appointment time for you. Our goal is to reduce pain and restore activity levels with a personalized, evidence-informed approach.
Evidence and outcomes
Clinical guidelines and specialty resources describe RFA as an effective option for facet-mediated spinal pain when diagnostic blocks confirm the source. Outcomes vary by individual factors including the underlying diagnosis and adherence to rehabilitation, but many patients report substantial pain reduction and improved daily function after RFA. For additional patient-oriented information, see resources from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic (Radiofrequency Ablation).
Is RFA right for you?
If you live in Garden City, Hauppauge or nearby Long Island communities and are struggling with chronic neck or back pain despite conservative care, a consultation can clarify whether RFA fits your treatment plan. We emphasize realistic expectations, safety and combining interventional care with rehabilitation to restore function.
Book an appointment online or call to schedule a consultation at the Garden City or Hauppauge office and speak with our team about whether radiofrequency ablation may help you return to the activities you value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of neck and back pain respond best to radiofrequency ablation?
RFA is most effective for facet-mediated pain originating from small spinal joints (facet joints). Patients who get significant, temporary relief from diagnostic medial branch or facet joint injections are the best candidates. Your clinician at MK Spine & Joint Rehab will use imaging and diagnostic injections to confirm the pain source before recommending RFA.
How long does pain relief from RFA usually last?
Relief varies among individuals. Many patients experience meaningful pain reduction for several months to more than a year. Because the treated sensory nerve can regenerate over time, repeat RFA is an option if symptoms recur and the procedure remains clinically appropriate.
Is the procedure painful and what is recovery like?
RFA is performed with local anesthesia and, if needed, light sedation. You may feel pressure during the procedure but generally not sharp pain. Afterward, expect mild soreness at the site that improves in days. Most people return home the same day and resume light activities quickly, following specific post-procedure instructions from our team.
Are there risks or side effects I should know about?
RFA is generally safe, but potential risks include infection, bleeding, temporary numbness, and very rarely nerve injury. We minimize risk through careful patient selection, sterile technique and image guidance. Your physician will review individual risks and benefits during informed consent.
Can RFA reduce my need for pain medications?
For some patients, RFA reduces pain enough to lower doses of pain medications or reduce reliance on short-term analgesics. Medication changes should always be guided by your clinician; MK Spine & Joint Rehab offers coordinated medication management when appropriate.
Will I need physical therapy after RFA?
Yes. Combining RFA with a targeted rehabilitation program helps restore strength, flexibility and function. Physical therapy is commonly recommended to maximize the durability of pain relief and support return to normal activities.
How do I schedule a consultation at MK Spine & Joint Rehab?
You can book an appointment online or call to schedule at our Garden City or Hauppauge office. During the consultation we will review your history, imaging and prior treatments to determine if RFA or another targeted option best fits your care plan.
How do I schedule a consultation at MK Spine & Joint Rehab?
You can book an appointment online or call to schedule at our Garden City or Hauppauge office. During the consultation we will review your history, imaging and prior treatments to determine if RFA or another targeted option best fits your care plan.