Long-Lasting Relief for Chronic Neck & Back Pain
If chronic neck or back pain has been keeping you from living the life you enjoy, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) may provide the long-lasting relief you’ve been searching for.
At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, our board-certified physicians use advanced, image-guided techniques to precisely target the small nerves responsible for transmitting pain from arthritic spinal joints. RFA is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to the activities they love with less reliance on pain medication.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency Ablation, also called radiofrequency neurotomy, uses controlled heat generated by radio waves to interrupt pain signals traveling through specific sensory nerves. Because these nerves only transmit pain—not muscle movement—the procedure can provide lasting pain relief while preserving normal function.
RFA is commonly recommended after diagnostic nerve blocks have confirmed the source of your pain.
Conditions Treated
Radiofrequency Ablation is often used to treat chronic pain caused by:
- Cervical (neck) facet joint arthritis
- Thoracic (mid-back) facet joint pain
- Lumbar (lower back) facet joint pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine
- Chronic spinal pain that has not improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation if you:
- Have experienced neck or back pain for several months or longer
- Have pain originating from the facet joints or SI joints
- Received temporary relief from diagnostic medial branch blocks
- Want to avoid or delay spine surgery
- Have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments
Our specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether RFA is the right treatment for your condition.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Radiofrequency Ablation is performed in our outpatient procedure suite and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
During the procedure:
- The treatment area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
- Using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), your physician carefully positions specialized needles near the targeted nerves.
- The nerves are tested to ensure precise placement.
- Controlled radiofrequency energy creates a small heat lesion on the nerve, interrupting its ability to transmit pain signals.
- After a short recovery period, patients return home the same day.
Radiofrequency Ablation can often be performed with or without sedation, depending on your individual needs, medical history, and personal preference. Many patients tolerate the procedure well using only a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, allowing for a quicker recovery and the ability to resume normal activities sooner. For patients who experience anxiety or would be more comfortable during the procedure, intravenous (IV) sedation may be available. Your physician will discuss the best option with you before your procedure to ensure you remain as comfortable and safe as possible throughout your treatment.
Recovery
Most patients resume light daily activities within 24 to 48 hours. Mild soreness at the treatment site is common for several days.
Pain relief may begin within a few days, although some patients notice gradual improvement over two to four weeks as inflammation subsides and the treated nerves stop transmitting pain signals.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
Patients may experience:
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Improved mobility and function
- Reduced dependence on pain medications
- Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
- Little downtime
- Ability to return to normal activities more quickly
For many patients, relief lasts 6 to 12 months or longer, and the procedure can often be repeated if pain returns as the nerve regenerates.
Why Choose Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine?
At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, we combine advanced technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to deliver exceptional outcomes. Our experienced spine specialists develop personalized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you regain your quality of life.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic arthritis, spinal degeneration, or persistent neck or back pain, we’re committed to helping you move better—with less pain.
Schedule Your Consultation
Don’t let chronic pain control your life.
Contact Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine today to learn whether Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you and take the next step toward lasting pain relief.
Your Movement Matters.