Still dealing with mid-back pain? If your pain returns after injections or therapy, you may need Thoracic RF Ablation. This treatment is safe and non-surgical. It turns off the nerves that send pain signals from your thoracic spine. At 5th Avenue Medical Wellness, we offer Thoracic RF Ablation in NYC. Our treatment helps you feel better for months at a time.
What Is Thoracic Radiofrequency Ablation?
Thoracic RF Ablation is a pain treatment that targets the small nerves in your mid-back. These nerves, called medial branch nerves, carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain. During the procedure, we use a special needle that sends out radio waves to gently heat these nerves. This prevents your brain from receiving pain signals.
No pain signals = less pain.
It’s a longer-lasting option for people who’ve had short-term relief from a medical branch block.
What Does Thoracic RF Ablation Treat?
This procedure helps reduce or stop chronic mid-back pain caused by:
- Arthritic or inflamed thoracic facet joints
- Facet joint syndrome
- Pain from poor posture or spine wear-and-tear
- Pain after whiplash or trauma
- Pain that comes back after other treatments
- Pain confirmed by a successful medial branch block
If your pain gets worse with movement or doesn’t go away with rest or therapy, this might be the next step.
How Does Thoracic RF Ablation Work?
RF Ablation works by stopping pain at the source. Here’s how it helps:
- The medial branch nerves are heated with a small, controlled radiofrequency current
- This heat creates a tiny “burn” on the nerve to stop it from sending pain signals
- The nerve doesn’t carry pain anymore, and your discomfort fades
Relief can last 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer. The nerves may grow back slowly, but the pain often returns much less intense.
What’s Used in Thoracic RF Ablation?
There are no injections or medications in this procedure. Instead, we use:
- A thin, RF needle
- A generator that sends out radio waves
- Local numbing medicine for comfort
There’s no sedation, and most people stay fully awake and relaxed during the procedure.
Thoracic RF Ablation Procedure: What to Expect
The treatment is quick and done in our clinic. Here’s what happens:
- You lie on your stomach
- We clean the skin and apply numbing medicine
- We use live X-ray to guide the RF needle to the nerve
- A small current tests the nerve
- Then we apply heat to stop the pain signals
- You rest for a few minutes, then go home the same day
The entire visit usually takes 30–45 minutes. The procedure itself only takes a few minutes per nerve.
Why Choose 5th Avenue Medical Wellness for Thoracic RF Ablation?
We take your pain seriously. Our experienced team uses advanced imaging and careful technique to make this treatment safe and effective.
You’ll get:
- Personalized care and honest answers
- A clear plan made just for you
- A calm, supportive environment
- A non-surgical option that works
We help people every day who thought they’d “just have to live with it.” You don’t.
Book Your Thoracic Radiofrequency Ablation in Queens
Ready to feel better for the long term? If injections helped for a little while — and you want lasting relief—thoracic RF Ablation may be the next best step.
Book your Thoracic RF Ablation in NYC today. We’re here to help you move, live, and feel better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Most people say they feel pressure or warmth, but not pain. We use numbing medicine before the procedure starts.
Relief can last 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. It depends on your body and the condition of your spine.
We can repeat the procedure if needed. Some people get years of relief after a few sessions.
Yes — usually the next day. Some people take it easy for 1–2 days. We’ll give you easy aftercare tips to follow.
If you had short-term relief from a Thoracic Medial Branch Block, you’re likely a strong candidate for RF Ablation. We’ll review your medical history to be sure.