Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation can target chronic neck, lower back, or sacroiliac pain originating from degenerative facet joints, the hinge-like joints that hold vertebrae together in the spinal column. Small nerves receive sensation from these joints and send pain signals to the brain. Radiofrequency ablation can be an effective method to treat neuropathic neck and back pain from arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sacroiliitis, and other degenerative spine conditions. 

Additionally, radiofrequency ablation can treat nerve pain associated with conditions outside of the spine, including knee or hip arthritis, trigeminal neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome, spasticity, such as in cerebral palsy.

Radiofrequency ablation may also be used to target other tissues aside from nerves. This can be helpful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, cardiac arrhythmias, and tumors or other growths, such as thyroid nodules.

Procedure of Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation. Your surgeon will use local anesthetic to numb the procedure area. A small needle is inserted into the appropriate area, using fluoroscopy (x-ray) to guide placement. Placement may also be verified by your surgeon stimulating the target nerve and observing a response. Highly focused heat energy is then applied to the affected nerve(s), causing damage and preventing the transmission of pain.