Radiofrequency Ablation of the Spine
What Is It?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses controlled thermal energy to interrupt pain signals carried by selected sensory nerves. In the spine, it is most commonly used for facet-joint pain after diagnostic medial branch blocks have shown that those nerves are likely contributing to symptoms.
How Can It Help?
A specialized needle is positioned next to the targeted nerve using imaging guidance. Radiofrequency energy creates a controlled lesion that reduces the nerve’s ability to transmit pain. The nerve can eventually recover, so relief is not necessarily permanent, but many appropriately selected patients experience meaningful improvement.
What Can Patients Expect?
Soreness for several days can occur after treatment, and benefit may develop gradually. RFA is intended to improve pain and function so patients can be more active; it does not remove arthritis or permanently alter the underlying joint.
Related diagnostic step
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