Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses precisely targeted heat to interrupt the small medial branch nerves that carry pain from arthritic facet joints, helping relieve chronic neck and back pain without major surgery. It is performed on an outpatient basis by our PM&R physicians in Gresham, serving patients across the Portland metro.
OVERVIEW
What radiofrequency ablation is and how it works
Radiofrequency ablation, also called radiofrequency neurotomy or denervation, is a minimally invasive procedure that quiets the medial branch nerves. These tiny nerves do not control the strength of your arms or legs or the sensation in your limbs; their job is to relay pain signals from the facet joints, the paired joints at the back of each spinal segment that let you bend and twist.
During RFA, a specialized needle delivers radiofrequency energy that creates a small, controlled heat lesion on the targeted medial branch nerve. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain from the worn or inflamed facet joint to your brain. Because nerves can slowly regenerate over time, RFA is not permanent, but relief commonly lasts roughly 6 to 18 months and the procedure can be repeated if pain returns. Results vary from person to person.
CONDITIONS
What radiofrequency ablation treats
RFA targets facet-mediated pain in the neck, mid-back, and lower back, particularly when medication, physical therapy, or earlier injections have not provided durable relief.
Commonly treats
YOUR PROCEDURE
What to expect
Before
Your physician will confirm you had a positive response to a prior medial branch block. Tell us about blood thinners, diabetes medications, or possible pregnancy ahead of time. The procedure is performed on-site at our Burnside Surgery Center in Gresham, so plan for a brief check-in and arrange a ride home if sedation is used.
During
You lie comfortably while the skin is numbed with local anesthetic. Using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) for precise placement, the physician positions the radiofrequency needle next to each target medial branch nerve and applies heat for a short interval at each level. Most sessions take roughly 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves are treated.
After
You will rest briefly before heading home the same day. Mild soreness, localized tenderness, or a temporary aching at the treatment site is common for a few days and usually eases with rest and ice.
Recovery and relief
Many people resume light activity within a day or two. Pain relief is often not immediate; as the treated nerves quiet down, benefit typically builds over one to three weeks. Your care team will guide your return to activity and any physical therapy.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How long does relief from RFA last?
Relief commonly lasts roughly 6 to 18 months, though results vary. Because medial branch nerves can gradually regrow, pain may eventually return, at which point the procedure can be repeated if it worked well for you.
Is radiofrequency ablation diagnostic or therapeutic?
RFA is a therapeutic, pain-relieving procedure. The diagnostic step is the medial branch block that comes first, confirming the facet joints are the pain source before ablation is recommended.
Will the procedure hurt or affect my strength?
The skin is numbed beforehand, and most patients tolerate RFA well with only brief discomfort. The targeted medial branch nerves carry pain signals only and do not control your arm or leg strength or limb sensation.
NEXT STEPS
Learn more or get in touch
Radiofrequency ablation is part of our facet joint nerve ablation care offered to patients across Gresham, Portland, and the greater Oregon metro. Explore related options or reach our team to see whether RFA is right for you.
Medial Branch Block
The diagnostic step that helps confirm facet joints as your pain source. Learn more
Spinal & Epidural Injections
Image-guided injections that calm inflamed nerves and joints, including facet and SI joint pain. Learn more
Neurostimulation
Spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation for nerve-related pain when other care falls short. Learn more