For patients dealing with chronic facet joint pain in the neck or lower back, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the more durable interventional options available, and one of the most frequently asked-about procedures we see.
The facet joints are small joints located along the back of the spine that allow it to bend and twist. When these joints become worn or inflamed, they can become a direct source of localized back or neck pain, often the kind that worsens with certain movements like extending or twisting the spine.
Before moving forward with RFA, most patients first undergo a diagnostic medial branch block, a smaller injection that temporarily numbs the specific nerves suspected of carrying the pain signal. If that block provides meaningful, if temporary, relief, it helps confirm the facet joint as the actual pain source before committing to the ablation itself.
During the RFA procedure, a probe is placed near the targeted nerve using image guidance, then heated to interrupt that nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. The heating cycle for each nerve is brief, and most patients are able to go home the same day.
One of the more useful things to know going in: relief from RFA is not usually permanent, because nerves can regenerate over time. Based on our clinical experience, relief can be sustained anywhere from about six months up to two years, depending on how quickly a given patient's nerve regenerates. When pain returns, the procedure can often be repeated.
RFA is specific to facet joint pain confirmed through diagnostic blocks. It isn't the right tool for every type of back or neck pain, which is why the diagnostic step matters. Your physician will walk through your imaging and exam findings to determine whether facet-mediated pain is actually the driver of your symptoms before recommending this path.
Related: Radiofrequency Ablation service page · Therapeutic Nerve Blocks
This article is for general patient education and doesn't replace an individualized evaluation. Every treatment plan is different, and our physician team will walk through options, risks, and alternatives specific to your diagnosis before recommending a course of treatment.
Whether you're managing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or exploring regenerative treatment options, our team is here to help.
