Nerve Blocks & Radiofrequency Ablation

Chronic pain can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. At Hudson Specialty Care, with offices in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, our team specializes in advanced, minimally invasive procedures that target pain at its source rather than simply masking it. Two of the most effective treatments we offer—nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—work hand in hand to diagnose the source of your pain and deliver long-lasting relief. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call the office or request an appointment online.

What are nerve blocks?

Nerve blocks are targeted injections that deliver a local anesthetic, often combined with anti-inflammatory medication, around specific nerves. By temporarily stopping these nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, nerve blocks can:

• Provide immediate, short-term pain relief
• Help pinpoint the exact source of pain
• Support rehabilitation by making physical therapy more manageable

Because they both treat and diagnose, nerve blocks are often the first step before considering longer-lasting solutions like radiofrequency ablation.

What conditions can nerve blocks help treat?

Nerve blocks are used to relieve pain caused by many different conditions, including:

• Chronic back or neck pain
• Facet joint arthritis
• Sciatica
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Headaches and migraines
• Neuropathy
• Arthritis-related joint pain
• Pain after surgery or injury

By identifying the nerve involved, nerve blocks provide highly targeted pain relief and guide future treatment decisions.

How are nerve blocks performed?

At Hudson Specialty Care, nerve blocks are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. After cleaning and numbing the skin, your provider carefully places a thin needle near the targeted nerve and injects the medication.

• The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes
• Most patients go home the same day
• Relief may begin within minutes to hours and can last from a few days to several months, depending on your condition

If your pain improves after the injection, it confirms that the correct nerve has been identified—information we use to determine if radiofrequency ablation is the right next step.

What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that provides longer-lasting relief by disrupting pain signals at their source. Using controlled radiofrequency energy, a thin needle is guided to the targeted nerve and heated to gently damage the nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain.

Unlike injections that only numb symptoms temporarily, RFA addresses the problem directly and can keep pain away for six months to two years.

What conditions can benefit from RFA?

RFA is most commonly recommended for chronic pain caused by:

• Facet joint arthritis in the spine
• Degenerative disc disease
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
• Chronic neck or lower back pain
• Certain types of nerve-related joint pain

If a diagnostic nerve block provides significant relief, you may be an excellent candidate for RFA.

How is the RFA procedure performed?

RFA is performed under X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accuracy.

1. The skin is cleaned and numbed for comfort.
2. A thin needle is placed near the targeted nerve.
3. A small electrical current is used to confirm the correct location.
4. Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to interrupt pain signals.

• The procedure usually takes less than an hour
• Most patients go home the same day
• Mild soreness may occur, but it typically resolves within a few days

What results can patients expect?

• Nerve blocks provide immediate but temporary relief and guide treatment planning.
• RFA offers longer-lasting results, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in mobility, activity levels, and overall quality of life.
• If pain returns over time, both procedures can be safely repeated.

To maintain results, our team may also recommend a comprehensive care plan, which could include physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and strengthening exercises.

Why choose Hudson Specialty Care for nerve blocks and RFA?

At Hudson Specialty Care, we combine expertise in interventional pain management, neurology, and advanced imaging to deliver safe, effective, and personalized care. By integrating nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation into a comprehensive treatment plan, we help patients reduce pain, improve function, and avoid more invasive surgeries.

If chronic pain is limiting your life, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation may offer the lasting relief you’ve been searching for. Call Hudson Specialty Care or request an appointment online today to explore your options.