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Conditions & Treatments

Radiofrequency Neuroablation

What Is Radiofrequency Neuroablation?

Radiofrequency neuroablation, also known as radiofrequency treatment or rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain affecting the spine and surrounding joints. It may be used to address pain in the lower back (lumbar spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), neck (cervical spine), and sacroiliac joints.

The procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat a small area of nerve tissue, interrupting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Radiofrequency neuroablation may provide relief for patients whose chronic pain has not responded to other treatments.

What Causes Pain That May Be Treated With Radiofrequency Neuroablation?

Chronic back and neck pain can develop when joints and surrounding structures become inflamed or damaged. Conditions that may cause this type of pain include:

  • Arthritis affecting the spinal joints
  • Facet joint degeneration
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Age-related wear and tear of the spine
  • Previous injuries affecting the spinal joints

These conditions may irritate the nerves that transmit pain signals from the affected area to the brain.

Symptoms That May Be Treated With Radiofrequency Neuroablation

Symptoms vary depending on the source and location of the pain. Patients who may benefit from radiofrequency neuroablation can experience:

  • Persistent or recurring back or neck pain
  • Pain and stiffness around the spinal joints
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements, such as bending or twisting
  • Pain around the lower back, buttocks, or sacroiliac joints
  • Difficulty performing everyday activities due to chronic pain

Your pain management doctor will evaluate your symptoms and determine if radiofrequency neuroablation may be appropriate for your condition.

When Is Radiofrequency Neuroablation Recommended?

Radiofrequency neuroablation may be recommended for patients experiencing chronic spine-related or joint-related pain that has not improved with conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or injections.

Before recommending the procedure, your doctor may perform diagnostic nerve blocks to help identify the nerves responsible for your pain. If these injections provide temporary relief, radiofrequency neuroablation may be considered for longer-lasting pain management.

What Happens During Radiofrequency Neuroablation?

During radiofrequency neuroablation, a local anesthetic is used to numb the skin around the treatment area. Using X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance, your doctor carefully positions a needle near the nerve responsible for transmitting pain signals.

Once the needle is properly positioned, the targeted nerve is numbed. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered through the needle to heat a small area of nerve tissue, interrupting its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

Pain relief following radiofrequency neuroablation varies from patient to patient. Some patients experience relief lasting several months to a year or longer, although results are not guaranteed.

Over time, the treated nerves may regenerate, allowing pain signals to return. However, pain does not necessarily recur in every patient. Your doctor will discuss what to expect based on your condition and response to treatment.

Recovery After Radiofrequency Neuroablation

Patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort around the treatment area following the procedure. Pain relief may develop gradually over the following days or weeks as the treated nerve responds to the procedure.

Most patients can resume light activities relatively soon after treatment, although recovery instructions vary. Your doctor will provide specific guidance regarding activity restrictions, follow-up care, and when to return to normal activities.

For specialized spine care in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Plantation, and West Palm Beach, Florida, please call (561) 549-9090 or request an appointment online.