๐๏ธ PainExam Podcast & Video Show Notes Facet-Mediated Pain, RFA, and Advanced Interventional Strategies ๐ฅ Episode Overview
In this episode of the PainExam Podcast, David Rosenblum delivers a high-yield, board-focused deep dive into:
- Lumbar, cervical, and thoracic facet-mediated pain
- Medial branch blocks (MBB) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Key Medicare / LCD criteria for performing procedures
- Advanced therapies including multifidus stimulation and regenerative medicine (PRP)
This episode is essential for pain physicians preparing for the ABA, ABPM, ABIPP, and FIPP board exams โ and for those looking to refine their interventional practice.
๐ง Key Topics Covered ๐ฆด Facet-Mediated Pain (Lumbar, Cervical, Thoracic)
- Axial, non-radicular pain
- Worse with extension and rotation
- Cervical facet pain โ often post-whiplash
- Thoracic facet pain โ underdiagnosed
๐ฌ High-Yield Anatomy & Innervation
- Dual innervation of facet joints
- L5โS1 facet โ L5 dorsal ramus (board favorite)
- C2โ3 facet โ third occipital nerve
๐ Diagnosis & Medicare Criteria
- Gold standard: Medial branch blocks (NOT imaging)
- Medicare requires:
- Chronic pain โฅ 3 months
- Failed conservative therapy
- Two diagnostic blocks with โฅ80% relief
โก Interventional Treatment
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- 6โ12 month relief
- Repeatable
- Proper needle placement and stimulation techniques
๐ Advanced & Emerging Therapies
- Multifidus stimulation
- Restores spinal stability
- Treats underlying dysfunction
- PRP / Regenerative Medicine
- Targets inflammation and tissue healing
- Growing role in pain management
๐ฏ Board Prep Takeaways
- Facet pain = axial + extension-based
- Diagnosis = medial branch blocks
- Know cervical vs lumbar differences
- Medicare requires dual blocks before RFA
- L5 dorsal ramus = high-yield exam concept
๐ Pain Board Prep & CME Resources
If you're preparing for your boards or want to advance your clinical skills:
๐ Start your Pain Board Review:
https://nrappain.org
๐ Access Question Banks, Lectures & Virtual Fellowship:
https://nrappain.org
๐ PainExam Platform:
https://painexam.com
๐ Why Pain Physicians Choose NRAP Academy
- Comprehensive ABA / ABPM / ABIPP / FIPP board prep
- High-yield lectures + MCQs
- Ultrasound-guided procedure training
- Regenerative medicine education
- Virtual Pain Fellowship curriculum
๐ค Upcoming Live Training & Conferences
Join Dr. Rosenblum at upcoming events:
- ASPN 2026 Annual Meeting โ Ultrasound & regenerative medicine labs
- PainWeek 2026 โ Lectures on:
- Image-guided interventions
- Ultrasound integration
- Regenerative pain therapies
- AI in pain management
๐ Connect & Learn More
๐ข Call to Action
If you're serious about passing your pain boards and mastering interventional pain:
โ
Subscribe to the PainExam Podcast
โ
Join the Virtual Pain Fellowship
โ
Attend a live ultrasound or regenerative medicine course
