Cervical RF Medial Branch Treatment Forest Hills, Queens

Living with neck pain every day can be frustrating. It can make it hard to sleep, work, or enjoy life. At 5th Avenue Wellness Medicine, we offer Cervical RF Medial Branch Treatment to help reduce pain and give you long-lasting relief.

This is a safe, non-surgical option for people who’ve tried other treatments without success.

Understanding Cervical RF Medial Branch Treatment

This treatment uses a small amount of radiofrequency heat to treat the nerves that send pain signals from your neck. These nerves are called medial branch nerves.

They are connected to the facet joints—the small joints in your neck that help with movement and stability. When these joints become inflamed or damaged, they can cause serious pain. The goal of this treatment is to stop the nerves from sending pain signals. If a Cervical Medial Branch Block gave you short-term relief, this treatment could help you feel better for months.

Why Facet Joints Cause Neck Pain

Facet joints let your neck bend, twist, and turn. But over time, these joints can get worn out or irritated. This can happen from:

• Arthritis or joint wear
• Whiplash or other injuries
• Poor posture or repetitive movements

When the joints are inflamed, the nerves around them send pain signals. This can lead to:

• Neck stiffness
• Aching or sharp pain
• Headaches
• Pain that spreads to your upper back or shoulders

If this sounds like what you’re feeling, RF treatment might help.

Who Should Consider This Treatment?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You’ve had neck pain for months or longer
• You got relief from a medial branch block, but it didn’t last
• The pain keeps you from sleeping, working, or enjoying your life
• Other treatments like medicine or physical therapy haven’t worked

This procedure is often the next step when other options have failed.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Here’s how to get ready:

• Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your visit
• Tell us about any medications or health conditions you have
• Bring someone to drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive yourself

Our team will answer all your questions before the procedure, so you feel comfortable and confident.

What Happens During the Procedure

• You’ll lie down on a table in a comfortable position
• We clean your neck and numb the area with a small shot
• Using a live X-ray, we place a tiny needle near the nerve
• We send a test signal to be sure the needle is in the right spot
• Then we apply radiofrequency heat to the nerve for a few seconds

The entire procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Most people handle it well and feel okay afterward.

What to Expect After Cervical RF Medial Branch Injection

• You may feel a little sore or stiff where we did the injection
• Some people feel better right away
• For others, it may take 1 to 2 weeks to notice full relief
• Plan to rest for the rest of the day
• Most people go back to normal activities within 1–2 days

We’ll check in with you and help guide your recovery.

How Long Will the Relief Last?

• Many patients get relief that lasts 6 to 12 months
• Some feel good even longer
• If the pain returns, the treatment can be safely repeated

This is a great option for long-term relief without surgery or heavy medication.

What If It Doesn’t Work?

If you don’t get the results you hoped for, there are still other ways we can help:

• Physical therapy to strengthen your neck
• Medications to manage pain and swelling
• Other injections or nerve treatments
• Surgery, but only if nothing else works

We’ll work with you to create the best plan for your needs.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If neck pain is stopping you from living fully, it’s time to try something new. Cervical RF Medial Branch Treatment could help you feel better and live with less pain.

Call us at 718-989-9595 today or book your appointment online. We’re here to help you get back to doing the things you love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)