Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New York

NYC Locations: 80 Maiden Lane | Park Ave
212-619-2610

Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New York

80 Maiden Ln, New York, NY 10038 | 212-619-2610

Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New York
Rehabilitation Medicine Center of New York

Authorized by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board

Radiofrequency (RF) Neurotomy

Woman holding back in pain

Radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy, also called radiofrequency rhizotomy, is performed to manage cervical or lumbar facet joint pain.  RF neurotomy is a type of spinal nerve injection therapy that uses heat to disrupt joint pain signals.  Dr. Jose Colon, MD may recommend a neurotomy when a specific facet joint nerve is identified by prior diagnostic spinal injection.  If the facet joint nerve cannot send a pain signal to the brain, you do not perceive pain in that joint.

  • Radiofrequency neurotomy utilizes radio wave technology.  Radio waves generate safe levels of heat and disables the facet nerve without harm to adjacent structures.  Often, two spinal levels are treated.  The entire procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • The results of RF neurotomy can provide relief from facet joint pain for a year or longer.  Eventually, the facet joint nerve root regenerates—it grows back.  Facet joint pain may return, and Dr. Colon may recommend a repeat procedure.

Procedure preparation

Dr. Colon and his medical staff provide specific written instructions well in advance of your procedure appointment.  It may be necessary for you to stop taking certain medications before RF neurotomy.  Dr. Colon and his medical staff are available to discuss your concerns or answer questions.  We are here to help you!

About the procedure

RF neurotomy is performed in a sterile setting.  After you change into a gown and lie down, medications are given intravenously (IV) to relax you.  In the procedure suite, you are comfortably positioned on the treatment table.  A cushion is placed either under your chest—for cervical neurotomy or abdomen, for lumbar neurotomy.  The skin area is cleansed using a sterile soap.  A local anesthetic is injected and numbs the skin and underlying tissues.  Dr. Colon keeps you comfortable during the entire procedure.

Fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray) is used for precise guide needle placement.  A small electrode is carefully guided to the target nerve and heated to cauterize (burn) the nerve.  The electrode and needle is removed and the skin area is covered by a small bandage.

After neurotomy

In the recovery area, your vital signs are closely monitored.  Before releasing you home, we provide written home-care instructions, including information about resuming medications.

Dr. Colon, or a member of his medical staff telephones you the day after your procedure to follow up. We encourage you to keep a pain journal to record any discomfort, pain or other symptoms.  Your notes help our doctors measure your response to the RF neurotomy procedure.

We Understand Your Pain

  • You—your pain, expectations and treatment goals.
  • Precise diagnosis—our doctors specialize in precision diagnostics.  An accurate diagnosis is the first step to an effective and efficient treatment plan.
  • Provide patient-friendly educational materials, including illustrative videos to help you learn about spinal anatomy, conditions and treatments.
  • Interventional pain management.  Instead of masking pain, we “intervene” to stop and manage pain while you heal.
  • Functional rehabilitation.  Physical therapy helps you regain and build flexibility, strength and endurance.
  • Be available to answer all your questions and address each concern.

 

Meet Your Expert Pain Management Team

Jose F Colon MD

Jose Colon, MD

Pain Management

Michael Seidenstein MD

Michael Seidenstein, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Allwyn J Levine MD

Allwyn Levine, MD, MPH

Pain Management

Milton Eng RPT

Milton Eng, RPT

Director of Physical Therapy

Edwin Perez MD

Edwin Perez, MD

Pain Management

Armando Villarreal MD

Armando Villarreal, MD

Pain Management

Dr. Alexios Apazidis

Dr. Alexios Apazidis, MD

Orthopedic, Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon

Why Choose NYC PAIN?

Top Medical Experts

Our expert team of board-certified surgeons, physical therapists, pain management specialists and knowledgeable staff, allows us to provide you with the highest quality care

Advanced Technology

Our facilities features advanced equipment that gives our team access to the tools they need to help ensure your success

Patient Support

We offer a full 360 degrees of support for our patients. From intake, diagnosis, therapy, surgery and aftercare. Our doctors are always here to help you with any questions or concerns you have

man running with wall in background that says PAINNYC helping you get back to what matters most

Convenient Locations

Serving Greater New York City, Northern New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester. Our convenient location in lower Manhattan is close to subways, busses & the PATH train station

 

Lower Manhattan | NYC

80 Maiden Lane | Suite 703
New York, NY 10038

 

212-619-2610

Newark | New jersey

638 Mount Prospect Ave
Newark, NJ 07104

 

973-481-4040

NYC PAIN IS READY TO HELP YOU
DIAGNOSE AND TREAT YOUR CONDITION

 

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