Spinal Radiofrequency Ablation
Longer-lasting relief for neck, mid back, and low back facet joint pain
What is facet joint pain?
The facet joints are small paired joints along the back of the spine that guide its movement. Arthritis in these joints is a common cause of chronic neck, mid back, and low back pain, often worse with twisting, arching backward, or standing for long periods.
Each facet joint is supplied by small medial branch nerves. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC), targets these nerves to interrupt the pain signals from arthritic joints in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine.
How it works
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Confirming the source
Diagnostic medial branch blocks, usually performed twice, use local anesthetic to confirm that the facet joints are the source of your pain.
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Ablation
Under X-ray guidance, a radiofrequency probe is positioned along each medial branch nerve, and a controlled thermal lesion interrupts its pain signals.
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Relief
Relief usually develops over 1 to 3 weeks and often lasts 6 to 12 months or longer. Because nerves regenerate, the procedure can be repeated if pain returns.
What to expect
Before your procedure
Your physician reviews your medications, including blood thinners, and confirms that diagnostic blocks provided significant short-term relief.
During your procedure
RFA is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthetic, with or without light sedation. Treating several levels typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
After your procedure
Soreness, and sometimes a temporary increase in pain, is common for a few days to a couple of weeks. Most people return to normal activities within a few days.
Is radiofrequency ablation right for you?
RFA may be an option if:
- You have chronic neck or back pain from facet joint arthritis
- Diagnostic medial branch blocks provided significant temporary relief
- Medications, physical therapy, or injections haven't provided lasting relief
Our physicians will review your symptoms, exam, and imaging to determine whether this treatment is a good fit for you.
Risks
Risks include temporary soreness, a short-term increase in pain or nerve irritation (neuritis), numbness or skin sensitivity, infection, and bleeding. Pain may return as the nerves regenerate. Your physician will review the risks with you before your procedure. Individual results vary.
Images courtesy of Stryker.