Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation uses precisely targeted heat energy to interrupt the nerves transmitting chronic pain — offering longer-lasting relief for spine, joint, and nerve pain than injections alone.

Candidacy

Who This May Help

Radiofrequency ablation may be an option if you have chronic neck, back, joint, or nerve pain that has been confirmed to originate from a specific nerve or nerve pathway — and that has responded positively to diagnostic nerve blocks. It is most commonly used for spinal facet joint pain confirmed by medial branch blocks, sacroiliac joint pain, and chronic joint pain in the knee, shoulder, or hip. It can also be used for certain nerve pain conditions including occipital neuralgia and intercostal nerve pain. A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.

Procedure Overview

How Radiofrequency Ablation Works

Radiofrequency ablation works by delivering a controlled amount of heat through a small needle placed precisely alongside the pain-carrying nerve. The heat interrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain — without affecting the surrounding structures. Because the nerve is not cut or permanently destroyed, it can regenerate over time, which is why relief is long-lasting but not always permanent.

The procedure is performed under image guidance — typically fluoroscopy — to ensure precise and safe needle placement. It is a same-day outpatient procedure. The specific nerves targeted depend on the location and confirmed source of your pain — spinal facet nerves for neck and back pain, joint nerves for knee, shoulder, or hip pain, or peripheral nerves for specific neuropathic pain conditions.

Recovery & Results

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients go home the same day and resume normal light activities within a day or two. It is common to experience some soreness or aching at the treatment site for one to two weeks after the procedure — this is a normal response to the ablation and typically resolves on its own. Relief from the underlying pain condition generally becomes noticeable as the post-procedure soreness subsides, often within two to four weeks.

Most patients experience meaningful relief lasting six months to two years or more. When the treated nerves eventually regenerate and pain returns, the procedure can be repeated with similar results. Many patients find that the interval between treatments lengthens with each successive ablation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Radiofrequency ablation is most commonly used for confirmed facet joint pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine — typically after diagnostic medial branch blocks have confirmed the facet joints as the primary pain source. It can also be used for sacroiliac joint pain, chronic knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, occipital neuralgia, and intercostal nerve pain. The procedure is highly versatile and can target different nerve pathways depending on the location and source of pain.
Most patients experience relief lasting six months to two years or more. The nerves that are treated can regenerate over time, which is why pain may eventually return. When it does, the procedure can typically be repeated with similar results. Many patients find that each subsequent ablation provides comparable or improved relief.
For spinal facet and sacroiliac joint pain, yes — diagnostic nerve blocks are an important step before radiofrequency ablation to confirm that the targeted nerves are the primary source of your pain. Proceeding with ablation without first confirming the pain source reduces the likelihood of a successful outcome. Our approach is always to confirm the diagnosis before recommending a longer-term procedure.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients tolerate it well. Some soreness or aching at the treatment site is common in the days following the procedure — this is a normal response to the ablation and typically resolves within one to two weeks. Relief from the underlying condition generally becomes noticeable as the post-procedure soreness subsides.
Yes. Because the treated nerves can regenerate over time, radiofrequency ablation can be repeated when pain returns. Most patients who had a successful first ablation experience similar or comparable relief from subsequent procedures. The interval between treatments varies by individual but is typically one to two years or more.

Schedule a Consultation

A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will review your history and prior diagnostic results to determine whether radiofrequency ablation is an appropriate next step.

Request an Appointment (850) 559-2355