Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Interspinous Fusion (midline or lateral approach)
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
3. Bracing
1:30
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG)
Diagnosis & Understanding
3. Pelvic and Perineal Pain
1:52
7. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. CRPS I
1:57
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
1:35
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
3. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Lumbar Sympathetic Injection
1:36
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
3. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Radiofrequency Ablation
Diagnosis & Understanding
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
3. Endoscopic Rhizotomy
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
Neck or Cervical Pain
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Caudal Epidural
1:33
5. Facet Joint Injection
1:44
10. Interventional Pain Procedures
1:58
13. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Low back or Lumbar Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Herniated Disc
1:58
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
4. MFAT
2:04
5. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
6. Laser Therapy
2:05
7. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Radiofrequency Ablation (Spine) - Procedure
1746879750
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a procedure used to treat chronic back and neck pain, especially from facet joint problems. These small joints help stabilize the spine, and when irritated, they can cause persistent pain. If physical therapy or medications haven’t worked, RFA may be an option.
RFA works by using radio waves to heat and deactivate nerve tissue, reducing pain signals from that area. Before this procedure, a medial branch block (also called a diagnostic injection) is performed to confirm whether the targeted nerves are the source of pain. This step is required before moving forward with RFA.
During the procedure, you’ll lie on a table while X-ray or ultrasound imaging helps guide a thin needle to the correct spot. Most patients don’t need sedation or anesthesia, but it may be used if necessary. Radiofrequency energy generates heat, disrupting the nerve's ability to send pain signals. Because nerves regenerate, RFA may need to be repeated every six months to maintain long-term relief.
Most patients go home the same day and can return to light activities quickly. Pain relief typically begins within a few weeks and can last anywhere from six months to over a year. Fewer than 5% of patients may experience temporary increased pain, but this usually resolves.
Risks are rare but can include temporary soreness, infection, or nerve irritation. Blood thinners may or may not need to be paused, so check with your doctor. Most RFA cases do not require stopping them. You’ll need to arrange a ride home after the procedure.
Alternatives to RFA include physical therapy, pain medications, additional injections, pulsed RFA, or, in severe cases, surgery. The best approach depends on your specific condition and response to previous treatments.
RFA is a safe and effective way to manage pain. Our team is here to help guide you through your treatment options.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with RFA?
Risks from RFA are rare but may include temporary soreness, infection, or nerve irritation. It is also important for patients to discuss the use of blood thinners with their doctor, as they may or may not need to be paused before the procedure. Arranging transportation home post-procedure is typically required.
What alternatives exist if RFA is not suitable or effective?
If RFA is not an appropriate option, alternatives include continued physical therapy, pain medications, additional injections, or in severe cases, surgical interventions like spinal fusion. Pulsed RFA might also be considered. The choice of alternative depends on the individual's specific condition and response to past treatments.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and how does it work in spine treatments?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to alleviate chronic back and neck pain, particularly from facet joint issues. It involves using radio waves to generate heat, which deactivates nerve tissue responsible for transmitting pain signals. This process reduces the sensation of pain in the affected area.
What should patients expect during and after the RFA procedure?
During the RFA procedure, patients lie on a table while imaging techniques like X-ray or ultrasound guide a thin needle to the correct area. Sedation or anesthesia is not usually necessary, though it can be used if required. Post-procedure, most patients can go home the same day and resume light activities soon after. Pain relief often begins within a few weeks and can last from six months to over a year.
Who is a good candidate for RFA?
Candidates for RFA are typically individuals experiencing chronic neck or back pain due to facet joint arthritis or degeneration. It is considered when other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications, have not provided relief. Prior to RFA, a diagnostic injection, known as a medial branch block, is performed to ensure that the targeted nerves are indeed the source of the pain.