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 […]
Your first pain management appointment is usually focused on understanding your pain, medical history, previous treatments, and daily limitations. Bring your ID, insurance details, medication list, allergies, imaging, records, referral if needed, and surgery or procedure history. Treatment doesn’t always happen during the first visit. The main goal is to evaluate your symptoms and build […]
You should consider seeing a pain management doctor when pain lasts longer than expected, keeps coming back, limits daily life, or causes symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or pain traveling into your arms or legs. A pain specialist can help identify the source of pain and build a plan around your diagnosis, function, and […]
If you’re asking, “what does a pain management doctor do?” the simple answer is this: they evaluate what’s driving your pain, explain your options, and build a care plan around your symptoms, diagnosis, daily limits, and goals. A pain management doctor treats spine, joint, nerve, arthritis, and chronic pain. Their goal isn’t only a lower […]
Meet Dara Sanchez De Placer: Co-Founder & CEO of Florida Spine & Pain Institute Featured in Orlando Magazine’s “Women Who Move the City 2026” June 2026 | Florida Spine & Pain Institute We are beyond proud to share a milestone that speaks not only to the achievements of our practice, but to the vision, grit, […]
