TL;DR: A medial branch block is usually a diagnostic injection that temporarily numbs small nerves near the facet joints in your spine. These nerves carry pain signals that may contribute to back or neck pain. Relief often lasts only hours, but your response can help your doctor confirm the source of the pain and decide […]
TL;DR: Medial branch block vs facet joint injection comes down to target and purpose. A facet joint injection treats irritation in or near the joint, while a medial branch block numbs the small nerves carrying pain signals from that joint. It’s often used to help confirm whether radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate. Back or neck […]
TL;DR: Sciatica is usually caused by irritation or compression of the lower spine nerves. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, inflammation, and nerve root compression. Mild symptoms may improve with basic care, but weakness, numbness, worsening pain, or sudden bladder or bowel changes need prompt medical attention. Sciatica can feel like more […]
TL;DR: When back pain travels down the leg, it often means a lower spine nerve may be irritated or compressed. This can happen with sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, or nerve inflammation. Mild symptoms may improve with basic care, but weakness, numbness, worsening pain, or changes in bladder or bowel function require prompt […]
TL;DR: Many patients may feel relief from radiofrequency ablation for several months, and some experience relief for six months to two years. Results vary depending on the pain source, the nerves treated, and follow-up care. RFA can wear off as nerves regrow, but it may be repeated if it helped before. When back or neck […]
TL;DR: Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from certain nerves. It may help chronic back or neck pain linked to facet joints. Diagnostic medial branch blocks often come first to confirm the likely pain source. Relief varies, but it may last several months or […]
TL;DR: For many patients, epidural steroid injections are a low-risk, nonsurgical option when the diagnosis is clear and a trained clinician uses proper technique. They may help relieve neck, back, arm, or leg pain caused by irritated spinal nerves. Still, side effects and rare risks are possible. Safety depends on your health, medications, image guidance, […]
TL;DR: Knowing what to expect after an epidural steroid injection can help you feel more prepared before and after treatment. Mild soreness, temporary leg heaviness, fatigue, or a short symptom flare may be common. Pain relief may start within a few days, but results vary. Follow your discharge instructions, track your symptoms, and call your […]
The choice between an epidural injection and radiofrequency ablation depends on the source of the pain. Epidural steroid injections are generally used when inflamed or irritated spinal nerves cause radiating pain into the arms or legs. Radiofrequency ablation is usually used for selected facet-related pain patterns in the back or neck. Neither is automatically better. […]
A pain management doctor focuses on evaluating the likely source of pain and treating it with non-surgical, rehabilitative, medication, or minimally invasive options when the diagnosis supports that route. An orthopedic surgeon focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including cases that need surgical repair. For spine, joint, nerve, arthritis, or injury-related pain, the right first […]
