What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure used to treat chronic neck and low back pain caused by arthritic facet joints. It works by applying carefully controlled heat to small sensory nerves—called the medial branches—that carry pain signals from the joints to the brain.
By stopping these signals, RFA can provide long-lasting relief, reduce reliance on medications, and help patients return to normal activity.
Why Facet Joints Cause Pain
The facet joints are small stabilizing joints along the spine that allow bending and twisting. Over time, they can become arthritic, inflamed, or injured—this is called facet arthropathy.
- Cervical facet pain: aching, stiffness, or headaches at the base of the skull, worse with turning or looking up.
- Lumbar facet pain: aching in the low back, often worse with standing, twisting, or extension.
Unlike sciatica or a herniated disc, facet joint pain usually does not radiate below the knee or elbow, but it can still be severe and disabling.
How RFA Works
- Diagnostic confirmation: Before RFA, patients receive medial branch blocks—temporary numbing injections around the facet nerves. If these provide short-term relief, the facet joints are confirmed as the pain source.
- Precise targeting: During RFA, a thin probe is placed next to the medial branch nerves using live X-ray guidance.
- Thermal treatment: Controlled heat (about 80°C) is applied for 60–90 seconds, creating a small lesion that stops the nerve from transmitting pain.
- Function preserved: These nerves only carry pain sensation—they do not control muscles or movement—so strength and mobility are unaffected.
Benefits of Cervical and Lumbar RFA
- Relief lasting 6–12 months or longer in most patients
- Improved mobility, sleep, and daily function
- Reduced dependence on medications, including opioids
- Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime (return to activities in 1–2 days)
Is RFA Right for You?
Radiofrequency ablation is considered when patients have:
- Chronic neck or low back pain
- Inadequate relief from non-surgical options
- Positive response to two diagnostic nerve blocks
It is a safe, effective, outpatient procedure that can offer long-lasting relief, enabling you to get back to the things you love.
What to Expect
- Performed in our office-based lab (OBL) under local anesthesia, with light sedation if needed
- Mild soreness at the injection site is common for a few days
- Pain relief typically begins within 1–3 weeks
- Results usually last 6–12 months; nerves may regrow, but the procedure can be repeated if pain returns
Is RFA Right for You?
Radiofrequency ablation is considered when patients have:
- Chronic neck or low back pain
- Inadequate relief from non-surgical options
- Positive response to two diagnostic nerve blocks
It is a safe, effective, outpatient procedure that can offer long-lasting relief, enabling you to get back to the things you love.
