Spine & Pain
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) / Rhizotomy
Uses heat generated by radio waves to disable pain-transmitting nerves for longer-lasting relief than injections alone.
Overview
Radiofrequency ablation (also called rhizotomy) uses a heated needle tip to deactivate the small medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic or irritated facet joints. It's typically offered to patients who had significant, temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch block. Relief commonly lasts 6–12+ months, and the procedure can be repeated as nerves regenerate.
Who This May Help
- •Patients with confirmed facet-joint pain via medial branch block
- •Chronic neck, mid-back, or low back pain from arthritic facet joints
- •Patients seeking longer-lasting relief than injections alone provide
What to Expect
- •Outpatient procedure under fluoroscopic guidance and local anesthesia (+/- sedation)
- •Mild soreness at the treatment site for a few days is common
- •Full effect typically felt within 2–3 weeks
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This information is educational and general in nature. It is not medical advice and does not replace an individualized evaluation. Whether this procedure is appropriate for you depends on your specific diagnosis, imaging, and health history — determined during a consultation with our providers.
Ready to find relief? We're here to help.
Request an appointment online, call us at 877-774-6337, or complete your new-patient intake ahead of your visit.