When Is Radiofrequency Ablation Considered for Back or Neck Pain?

Chronic neck and back pain can arise from several different structures within the spine.

For some patients, the small joints located along the back of the spine, known as facet joints, are an important source of pain.

Radiofrequency ablation, commonly called RFA, is a minimally invasive procedure that may provide longer lasting pain relief when these joints are confirmed as the pain generator.

What Are Facet Joints?

Facet joints connect the vertebrae and help guide movement of the spine.

Like other joints in the body, they can become painful because of arthritis, repetitive stress, injury, or degenerative changes.

Facet related pain is often felt across the neck or lower back and may worsen with extension, rotation, prolonged standing, or certain movements.

How Do We Know the Facet Joints Are Causing Pain?

An MRI can show arthritis or degeneration, but imaging alone cannot always determine whether a facet joint is painful.

Before radiofrequency ablation, patients typically undergo diagnostic medial branch blocks.

These injections temporarily numb the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints.

If a patient experiences significant temporary relief after appropriately performed diagnostic blocks, it provides evidence that the facet joints may be contributing to the pain.

How Does RFA Work?

During radiofrequency ablation, a specialized needle is positioned near the targeted medial branch nerve using imaging guidance.

Radiofrequency energy is then used to disrupt the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals.

The procedure does not remove the underlying arthritis or degeneration. Instead, it reduces the pain signals coming from the affected joints.

How Long Can Relief Last?

Response varies among patients.

Because the treated nerves can regenerate over time, the effects are not necessarily permanent. Some patients may eventually undergo repeat treatment if their pain returns and RFA remains appropriate.

Is RFA Right for Every Type of Back Pain?

No.

RFA is most useful when pain has been identified as facet mediated. It would not be expected to treat every cause of neck or back pain, including certain disc, nerve, muscular, or sacroiliac joint conditions.

At Ospina Medical, diagnostic testing is used to determine whether a patient is an appropriate candidate before proceeding with radiofrequency ablation.