Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): What It Is and How it Helps with Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can take a toll on your daily life—limiting movement, interrupting sleep, and making even simple activities feel challenging. For many people who haven’t found relief through medications, physical therapy, or injections, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) offers a safe, minimally invasive option for long-lasting pain relief.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a medical procedure that uses controlled heat energy to target and “turn off” specific nerves that send pain signals to the brain. By disrupting these pain pathways, RFA can reduce or eliminate pain in the treated area for months or even years.

This technique is often used to treat pain that originates in the spine, neck, back, or joints. It’s performed using a small needle-like probe guided by fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to precisely locate the affected nerve. Once in position, radiofrequency energy is applied to create a small, precise lesion on the nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals.

Conditions Treated with RFA

Radiofrequency Ablation is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions such as:

• Facet joint pain in the neck or lower back (from arthritis or injury)

• Sacroiliac joint pain

• Chronic neck or back pain unresponsive to other treatments

• Arthritic joint pain, including the knees and hips

• Peripheral nerve pain or neuropathic pain in certain areas

If diagnostic nerve blocks (temporary numbing injections) have successfully reduced your pain, your physician may recommend RFA for longer-lasting relief.

How the Procedure Works

1. Preparation:
   The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting. You’ll lie comfortably while the treatment area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Mild sedation may be offered to help you relax.

2. Needle Placement:
   Using X-ray guidance, your physician inserts a thin, specialized needle to the targeted nerve area.

3. Testing the Nerve:
   Before applying the radiofrequency energy, a small electrical current is used to confirm the correct nerve is being targeted. You may feel a mild tingling or muscle twitching during this step.

4. Heating the Nerve:
   Once confirmed, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle, heating the nerve tissue for a short time (usually 60–90 seconds). This controlled heat creates a small lesion that blocks pain signals.

5. Recovery:
   The entire procedure usually takes about 30–60 minutes. You’ll rest briefly afterward, and most patients return home the same day.

What to Expect After RFA

It’s common to feel some soreness or swelling around the treatment area for a few days. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Pain relief may not be immediate—it often improves gradually over 1 to 3 weeks as the treated nerves become inactive.

Many patients experience significant pain reduction lasting 6 months to 2 years, depending on the condition and the individual’s healing process. If the nerve regenerates over time, the procedure can be repeated if necessary.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

• Minimally invasive: No incisions or stitches required

• Quick recovery: Most people resume normal activity within a day or two

• Reduced need for medications: Less reliance on opioids or daily pain medicines

• Long-lasting relief: Pain relief that can last months or even years

• Improved mobility and quality of life

Is RFA Safe?

Yes, RFA is considered a safe and effective procedure when performed by a trained pain specialist. As with any medical treatment, there are minimal risks, such as temporary soreness, numbness, or infection at the site, but serious complications are rare.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

RFA is best suited for patients who have tried other conservative treatments—like physical therapy, medications, or injections—without lasting success. If diagnostic nerve blocks have provided temporary relief, you may be a strong candidate.

A pain management specialist can help determine whether RFA is the right option for your condition and design a treatment plan that supports your long-term pain relief goals.