How does radiofrequency ablation work?

Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves to heat and destroy a small area of nerve tissue to provide relief from chronic pain. A small hollow needle is placed into the target nerve during the procedure, and an electrode is placed on the needle to send radio waves directly to the nerve. The heat produced by the radio waves burns the damaged nerve and blocks pain signals. Wallerian degeneration is a process that nerves undergo after RFA to stop signals from transmitting to the brain. Radiofrequency treatments use electricity to apply heat and produce a similar degeneration of the damaged nerve. At North Shore Headache & Spine, we use RFA in Huntington to carefully target the nerves causing persistent discomfort. By interrupting those pain signals, patients can experience significant and sustained improvement in mobility and quality of life. RFA is particularly effective for facet joint arthritis, chronic spine pain, and certain types of joint-related discomfort that have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections alone.

What can I expect after treatment?

Patients can expect to feel sore at the treatment site for several days but can return to normal daily activities after two days of rest. Results vary by patient and condition, but many patients have lasting results for up to 1 year. RFA is not a permanent solution and can be repeated for continued results.

Am I a candidate for RFA?

You may be a strong candidate for radiofrequency ablation in Huntington, NY if you: Have experienced significant temporary relief from a medial branch block Suffer from chronic neck or lower back pain Have imaging showing facet joint degeneration Have not achieved lasting improvement with conservative care Because RFA targets specific pain-transmitting nerves, proper diagnosis is essential. Our team uses a step-by-step approach to confirm the source of discomfort before recommending this procedure.

Radiofrequency Ablation in Huntington, NY

Pain Relief at the Source

Treatment Length:

45 minutes

Sessions Needed:

Downtime:

None

Are you a candidate?

Try our screening tool.

Radiofrequency Ablation Overview

A minimally invasive treatment for chronic spine and joint pain.

Targeted Nerve Care

Interrupts pain signals

Image-Guided

Precision-based placement

Outpatient Procedure

Return home same day

Extended Relief

Months of improvement

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Our team will keep your visit comfortable and efficient.

North Shore

Headache & Pain

North Shore

Headache & Pain

North Shore

Headache & Pain

North Shore

Headache & Pain

Find the Right Approach

Take a few minutes to tell us your concerns, and we can recommend treatment options.

Build My Treatment Plan

Is RFA Right for You?

RFA treatment is ideal for patients with long-term conditions in the back, neck, or arthritic joints that have not responded to other therapies.

Sustained Pain Relief

Longer results than injections

Improved Mobility

Greater ease of movement

Chronic Spine Pain

Facet joint involvement

Positive Block Results

Successful diagnostic test

Get Expert Guidance

Talk with a specialist about your symptoms and next steps

Book Now

Hear From Our Patients

I’ve been seeing Dr. Ocasio for chronic back pain and have been getting trigger point injections along with Emsculpt Neo—and I honestly can’t believe the difference. Not only...

Gabriella B.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Ocasio for chronic back pain and have been getting trigger point injections along with Emsculpt Neo—and I honestly can’t believe the difference. Not only is my pain significantly reduced, but I’m also feeling stronger and more supported in my core, which has helped so much with daily movement.

Dr. Ocasio is incredibly knowledgeable and takes the time to really listen and explain everything. He doesn’t rush you, and you can tell he truly cares about getting you real, lasting results. The office is clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff is always friendly and professional. I’m so grateful I found this place—it’s been a total game-changer!

— Gabriella B.
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I originally came to Dr. Ocasio for shoulder pain that had been bothering me for months. From the very first appointment, I could tell I was in good...

Phillip B.

I originally came to Dr. Ocasio for shoulder pain that had been bothering me for months. From the very first appointment, I could tell I was in good hands. He took his time, actually listened, and came up with a solid plan that didn’t just cover up the pain—but addressed the root of the problem.

Since then, he’s helped me with knee injections that got me back to moving pain-free, weight loss support that actually worked, and NAD+ therapy that gave me energy and mental clarity I hadn’t felt in years. We also started optimizing my testosterone levels, and I feel like a whole new version of myself—stronger, more focused, and just overall better.

Dr. Ocasio is incredibly knowledgeable, but what really stands out is how much he cares about your overall well-being. He connects the dots between different issues and creates a plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and goals.

The office is top-notch, clean, and welcoming, and the staff is always helpful and professional. This isn’t your average medical experience—it’s next level. Highly recommend Dr. Ocasio if you’re looking for someone who truly gets it and wants to help you feel your absolute best.

— Phillip B.
Dr. Ocasio is hands down one of the best doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable in pain management, headache, and spine...

Lauren B.

Dr. Ocasio is hands down one of the best doctors I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable in pain management, headache, and spine care—but he’s also one of the kindest, most caring physicians out there. He truly thinks outside the box and doesn’t just throw a “band-aid” on your symptoms—he takes the time to get to the root of the issue and creates a plan that’s thoughtful, effective, and personalized.

What really sets Dr. Ocasio apart is how much he genuinely cares about his patients. He never rushes you, listens to your concerns, and you leave every appointment feeling seen, heard, and hopeful. The office itself is beautiful and calming, and the staff is always so welcoming, helpful, and professional.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, headaches, or spine issues, do yourself a favor and see Dr. Ocasio—you’ll feel like you finally found someone who gets it and is truly invested in your healing journey. Highly, highly recommend!

— Lauren B.