At AICA, our goal is to provide treatments that target pain at its source and help patients regain mobility and comfort. For patients with persistent neck or back pain caused by the facet joints, Medial Branch Blocks (MBB) and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) are often used together to achieve the best results.
What is a Medial Branch Block (MBB)?
An MBB is a diagnostic procedure that temporarily numbs the nerves near the facet joints, which are small joints in the spine that can cause chronic pain. By reducing pain temporarily, the MBB helps your provider identify the exact source of your discomfort. Think of it as a “test” to see which nerves are responsible for the pain.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to heat and treat the same nerves identified during the MBB. This process interrupts pain signals from the facet joints, providing longer-lasting relief than injections alone.
How MBB and RFA Work Together
The combination of MBB and RFA allows for a precise, step-by-step approach to pain management:
Diagnose: The MBB identifies which nerves are causing the pain.
Confirm: Temporary relief from the MBB confirms that RFA targeting these nerves is likely to be effective.
Treat: RFA provides longer-term relief by interrupting pain signals from the identified nerves.
Monitor and Adjust: If additional treatments are needed, such as Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) or other therapies, your provider will tailor the next steps to your recovery.
By using MBB and RFA together, patients often experience more accurate pain relief, improved mobility, and a faster return to daily activities. This coordinated approach also helps create strong, clear documentation for ongoing care, which can be important for both patients and attorneys.
Why Choose AICA?
At AICA, our multi-specialty team works together under one roof to ensure each patient receives comprehensive care. From diagnostic injections to advanced procedures like RFA, we provide coordinated, precise treatments that focus on results and long-term recovery.
