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Expert Low Back Pain Relief with Dr. Michael Erdman in Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade & Hialeah

March 17, 2025

Chronic low back pain can significantly impact your mobility, work performance, and overall quality of life.

If you’re seeking effective, minimally invasive treatment options in Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade, or Hialeah, Dr. Michael Erdman, a board-certified interventional pain specialist at IROSM, offers proven solutions designed to provide lasting relief.

What Is Axial Low Back Pain?

Axial low back pain is pain localized to the lower back that does not radiate to the legs. Common causes include:

Facet joint degeneration (arthritis of the spine)
Muscle strain due to poor posture or overuse
Herniated or degenerative discs
Previous spinal injuries

If left untreated, this condition can lead to long-term discomfort, reduced mobility, and impaired daily activities.

At IROSM, Dr. Erdman and his team combine advanced diagnostic tools with personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve meaningful pain relief.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Axial Low Back Pain

1. Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks (MBBs): A Diagnostic & Therapeutic Option

A lumbar medial branch block is a minimally invasive injection that numbs the medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals from the spine’s facet joints.

Key Benefits of Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks:
✅ Provides rapid, targeted pain relief
✅ Helps confirm whether facet joints are the primary pain source
✅ Quick procedure with minimal downtime
✅ Determines candidacy for radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

What to Expect During an MBB:

A local anesthetic is injected near the medial branch nerves.
If you experience immediate pain relief, it confirms that your facet joints are contributing to your discomfort.
This procedure is often the first step before undergoing RFA for longer-term pain control.

2. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Long-Lasting Pain Relief

If you’ve experienced positive results from an MBB, radiofrequency ablation may be the next step. This minimally invasive procedure uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals from the medial branch nerves.

How RFA Works:

A specialized needle is carefully guided near the targeted nerve using imaging technology.
A mild electrical pulse verifies the correct positioning.
Controlled heat is applied to disable the nerve’s pain signals.

Benefits of RFA:
✅ Provides long-term pain relief (often lasting 6 months to 2 years)
✅ Minimally invasive with no major downtime
✅ Reduces the need for opioids and other medications
✅ Can improve mobility and overall quality of life

Understanding Risks & Considerations

Both lumbar medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation are generally safe procedures. However, as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks to consider:

🔹 Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
🔹 Minor risk of infection or bleeding
🔹 Temporary numbness, weakness, or discomfort (rare)
🔹 Pain relief duration may vary, and some patients may require repeat treatments

At IROSM, Dr. Erdman and his team use advanced imaging guidance to ensure precise treatment delivery and minimize risks.

Why Choose Dr. Michael Erdman & IROSM?

Dr. Michael Erdman is a highly experienced, board-certified interventional pain physician with extensive expertise in minimally invasive spine treatments. Patients in Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade, and Hialeah trust Dr. Erdman for his compassionate approach and commitment to delivering effective, long-term pain relief.

What Sets IROSM Apart?

✅ Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a customized care plan tailored to their condition and lifestyle.
✅ State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize advanced diagnostic imaging and innovative techniques to improve treatment outcomes.
✅ Comprehensive Spine Pain Care: From diagnosis to recovery, we provide full-service pain management solutions.
✅ Convenient Locations: Our clinics in Fort Lauderdale, Miami-Dade, and Hialeah offer accessible care for South Florida residents.