Occipital Nerve RFA in Manhattan, NY

An occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure in which a needle is placed near the occipital nerves at the base of your skull and the needles are heated to destroy the sensory nerves that are responsible for sending pain signals into your brain. Radiofrequency ablations are a common procedure that can help to treat localized pain in the head and neck and can provide up to 6 months of relief..

Patients who have a history of head and neck pain that is not controlled with conservative treatments may be a candidate for an occipital nerve radiofrequency ablation. During your first consultation, your physician will review your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine if you may benefit from this procedure. Often your physician will perform an occipital nerve block as a diagnostic test to determine if your pain is coming from your occipital nerves.

An occipital nerve RFA is performed by targeting your occipital nerves at the base of your skull using ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance (X-Ray). After confirming the placement of the needles your physician uses a pulsed RFA setting. A pulsed RFA differs from a traditional RFA, because instead of using thermal heat to destroy the nerve, small electrical pulses are used to “stun” the nerve and therefore stop pain signals from reaching your brain. The procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and has little to no downtime. Patients typically notice improvement by the 4th week following their procedure and can expect up to 6 months of relief.

If you are experiencing head and/or neck pain contact our midtown Manhattan office today to find out if occipital radiofrequency ablations may be a treatment option for you!

How soon can I expect pain relief after the procedure?

Pain relief from Occipital Nerve RFA often begins within a few days to weeks as the treated nerves gradually lose their ability to send pain signals. The exact timing of relief can vary, but many patients experience a significant reduction in pain within two weeks.

Will I need multiple treatments to achieve relief?

Occipital Nerve RFA is often effective after a single treatment, though the effects may gradually diminish as the nerves regenerate over time. If the pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated to maintain relief. During follow-up visits, our team at Ospina Medical will evaluate your progress and provide guidance on ongoing care to manage chronic pain.

What should I avoid after undergoing Occipital Nerve RFA?

Following the procedure, it’s best to avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and intense exercise, for a few days to allow the area to heal. Patients can usually resume normal daily activities within a day or two.