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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) relieves pain by targeting and disrupting specific nerves that send pain signals to the brain. It’s not permanent, but results can last many months to two years or more.
Our multispecialty team at Coastal Spine, with five New Jersey locations, provides expert care for chronic pain conditions, from medication to physical therapy to complex spinal surgeries.
It’s not for everyone, but your Coastal Spine specialist may also recommend RFA for its minimally invasive benefits.
Read more about this highly effective pain management technique.
Understanding radiofrequency ablation
RFA is an outpatient procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerve function. The goal is to stop or reduce the transmission of pain signals from a targeted area to the brain.
Because RFA doesn’t require incisions or lengthy recovery times, it’s often an attractive option for those seeking long-term pain relief without significant downtime.
RFA is typically recommended for patients who haven’t found sufficient pain relief through physical therapy, medications, injections, or other conservative therapies.
It’s often an option for those who want to avoid or delay surgery or for patients who can’t undergo surgery because of other health concerns.
Before the procedure, your Coastal Spine provider may perform a diagnostic nerve block to ensure the suspected nerves are causing your pain. If the nerve block provides temporary relief, you’ll likely benefit from RFA.
How RFA works
The procedure starts with identifying the nerves causing your pain. Once pinpointed, your Coastal Spine specialist uses a special needle, guided by X-ray or ultrasound, to precisely target the area.
They then deliver local anesthesia to prevent discomfort and apply radiofrequency energy through the needle to heat and “turn off” the nerve.
The heat effectively deactivates the nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain. The nerve eventually heals and resumes its normal function, but the benefits can last months to years.
The procedure usually takes 30-90 minutes and is generally well-tolerated. Complications are rare.
Conditions that often respond to RFA
Our pain management specialists may recommend radiofrequency ablation for various chronic pain conditions, including:
- Chronic back pain
- Facet joint arthritis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Degenerative changes in the cervical spine (neck)
- Whiplash injury
- Knee pain related to arthritis
- Hip pain
- Headaches related to occipital neuralgia
- Shoulder pain
Other nerve-related pain caused by conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia or peripheral neuropathy may also respond well to RFA.
Benefits of radiofrequency ablation compared to surgery
The benefits of RFA include:
Minimally invasive
Unlike surgical interventions, RFA doesn’t require large incisions. That means less risk of infection, reduced bleeding, and, in most cases, no need for general anesthesia.
Quick recovery
Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two.
Long-lasting relief
The results of RFA can last from six months to two years. Some patients experience permanent relief, while others may need repeat treatments.
Convenience
Because it’s usually performed in an outpatient setting, RFA is less disruptive than invasive treatments. Minimal recovery time adds to its convenience, allowing a quick return to daily routine.
Effective pain management
RFA can provide significant pain relief for many chronic conditions, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medications. Decreased pain can also increase your participation in physical therapy, rehab, and other beneficial therapies.
Schedule an evaluation at Coastal Spine today by calling the office near you or requesting an appointment online.