Confirmed source first
Offered only after diagnostic blocks have implicated the facet nerves — treating a proven source, never a guess.
Treatments · Interventional Pain Management
Radiofrequency Ablation
A heat-based technique targeting pain-transmitting nerves, used within interventional pain management.
What it is
Quieting the nerve, keeping the joint
Radiofrequency ablation delivers controlled heat through a fine electrode to the medial branch nerves carrying facet pain. With transmission interrupted, the arthritic joint remains — but stops reporting. It is the logical sequel to a positive diagnostic block, never a first step.
Longer than a block
Controlled heat quiets the medial branch nerves for an extended period, outlasting any injection while the nerves gradually recover.
Motion fully kept
Nothing is cut, fused or implanted. Joints, discs and movement remain exactly as they were.
Repeatable honestly
When pain eventually returns with nerve recovery, the treatment can be reassessed — openly, not automatically.
What to expect
A precise, test-first appointment
The procedure is performed with you awake so stimulation testing can confirm exact placement before any heat is applied.
01
Test stimulation first
Before heating, gentle electrical testing confirms the electrode sits on a sensory nerve — not a motor one — by what you feel.
02
Controlled heat lesion
Radiofrequency energy warms the nerve tip precisely, interrupting pain transmission while surrounding tissue is protected.
03
Aftercare
Local soreness for days is common and expected. Report fever, worsening pain or new neurology promptly.
Common questions
Things patients ask us
How long does the relief last?
It varies between individuals and levels, generally outlasting injections substantially. Nerves recover over time, so recurrence is managed openly rather than promised away.
Does it damage the spine?
No. Only the tiny sensory branches are treated; joints, discs, muscles and motor nerves are untouched, and movement is fully preserved.
What are the risks?
Local soreness and transient neuritis-type pain are the commonest effects. Bleeding, infection and unintended nerve effects are uncommon; blood thinners and pacemakers are reviewed beforehand.
What if it does not work?
A negative result is information: either the source lies elsewhere or the technique needs reassessment. Your surgeon revisits the diagnosis rather than repeating blindly.
Could this help you?
Send your imaging and history. The ProSpine team will review your case and respond with the next steps.
Free · No obligation · Reviewed by the ProSpine team