Interventional Procedures
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radio waves used to interrupt pain signals from confirmed facet or sacroiliac nerves, often giving relief for a year or more.
Time in the office
The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how many joint levels are treated, and patients go home the same day after a short observation period.
When relief starts
Because the treated area is often sore initially, real relief usually becomes noticeable two to three weeks after the procedure, and it commonly lasts nine to eighteen months before the nerve regenerates and the procedure can be repeated.
What it is
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat generated by radio waves to create a small, controlled lesion on the medial branch nerves that carry pain from a joint.
These nerves carry sensation only — not strength — so interrupting them relieves pain without weakening the back or neck.
RFA is offered after diagnostic blocks have confirmed which nerves are responsible.
What to expect, step by step
The procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how many levels are treated.
After numbing the skin, insulated needles are positioned under fluoroscopy and sensory and motor testing confirms correct placement.
Each lesion takes about 90 seconds; you may feel warmth or pressure during it.
Recovery
Same-day discharge. Soreness for several days is common as the treated area settles.
Most patients return to routine activity within two to three days.
Heat, gentle movement and over-the-counter analgesics manage the post-procedure soreness.
Typical results
Relief typically begins within two to three weeks as post-procedure soreness resolves.
Benefit commonly lasts nine to eighteen months, sometimes longer.
Nerves regenerate over time; the procedure can be repeated when symptoms return.
Risks and considerations
Serious complications are uncommon, but no procedure is risk-free and you deserve the honest version before you consent.
- Post-procedure soreness or a deep ache at the treated levels for several days to a couple of weeks
- Temporary numbness or an unusual sensation in the treated area
- Rare risk of infection, bleeding or nerve irritation from the needle
- A small chance the nerve regenerates sooner than expected, shortening the duration of relief
- Not effective if the diagnostic blocks were not clearly positive beforehand
Common questions
Why do I feel worse for the first week or two?
Do I need diagnostic blocks before this procedure?
Will the pain come back permanently?
Will this weaken my back or neck?
Conditions this treats
Radiofrequency Ablation is most often recommended for the conditions below, once the source of pain has been confirmed.
- Spinal Facet SyndromePain arising from the small paired joints at the back of the spine, often worse with extension, twisting and standing.
- SacroiliitisInflammation of the joint between the sacrum and pelvis, producing one-sided low back and buttock pain.
- ArthritisDegenerative and inflammatory joint disease of the spine, hips, knees and shoulders.
- Neck InjuriesWhiplash, strain and facet injury of the cervical spine following collisions, falls and sports impacts.
- Chronic PainPain persisting beyond expected healing, requiring a coordinated, multi-modal long-term plan.
Related treatments
- Epidural Steroid InjectionsAnti-inflammatory medication delivered precisely around an irritated spinal nerve root to relieve radiating arm or leg pain.
- Facet Joint InjectionsSteroid and anesthetic placed inside an arthritic facet joint to confirm the pain source and calm inflammation.
- Medial Branch BlocksA precise diagnostic block of the small nerves carrying pain from a facet joint, used to plan longer-lasting treatment.
- Sacroiliac Joint InjectionsImage-guided injection into the SI joint to confirm and treat one-sided low back and buttock pain.
Ready to get a real diagnosis?
Most patients are seen within two weeks. Call our office or send a request and our staff will help you choose the most convenient location.