Are you struggling with persistent neck, back, or joint pain that keeps coming back? At Arête Health Group, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targets the nerves causing chronic pain, helping reduce discomfort from conditions like arthritis and spinal pain so you can move more freely and feel like yourself again.
Target Pain Signals for Longer-
Lasting Relief
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses controlled heat to target specific nerves that transmit pain signals to your brain. At Arête Health Group, our providers use advanced imaging to guide a small probe to the affected area, most commonly in the spine or joints. By interrupting these pain signals, RFA can provide longer-lasting relief for chronic conditions like arthritis, facet joint pain, and nerve-related discomfort.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treats:
- Chronic neck and lower back pain
- Facet joint pain in the spine
- Arthritis-related joint pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Nerve-related pain that persists after injury
- Pain following whiplash or spinal strain
- Degenerative spine conditions (like spondylosis)
- Pain that has not responded to medications or injections
How Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Works
Radiofrequency ablation works by using a specialized needle to deliver controlled heat to specific nerves that carry pain signals. At Arête Health Group, our providers use imaging guidance to place the needle near the targeted nerve. The heat creates a lesion that disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to your brain. This does not affect movement, only pain sensation. Over time, the treated nerve may regenerate, but many patients experience significant, longer-lasting relief compared with other treatments, such as injections.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA):
- Minimally invasive procedure with no large incisions
- Targets the source of pain with high precision
- Provides longer-lasting relief than many injections
- Reduces reliance on pain medications
- Performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime
- Typically well-tolerated with a low risk of complications
- Does not affect muscle strength or movement
- Can be repeated if pain returns over time
FAQs
How Long Does Pain Relief From Radiofrequency Ablation Last?
Relief from radiofrequency ablation can last anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on how your body responds and the condition being treated. Since nerves can regenerate, pain may return over time. Many patients find that when it does, the discomfort is still less intense than before. The procedure can often be safely repeated to help maintain consistent relief.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. You may feel some mild discomfort during treatment, but local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. Some people describe a brief warming or pressure sensation. Afterward, it’s normal to feel mild soreness at the treatment site for a few days, but this typically resolves quickly and is manageable with simple care.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you’re dealing with chronic neck, back, or joint pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy. Our providers often perform diagnostic nerve blocks first. If those temporarily relieve your pain, it’s a strong indicator that radiofrequency ablation may work well for you.
What is Recovery Like After Treatment?
You may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site for a few days, but most people resume light activities within 24 to 48 hours. Your provider will guide you on when to return to more strenuous activities, ensuring your recovery stays comfortable.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Radiofrequency ablation is considered safe when performed by experienced providers. As with any procedure, there are small risks, including temporary numbness, irritation, or infection at the treatment site. Serious complications are rare.
Schedule Your Consultation
When’s the last time you saw a provider who truly listened to your pain and understood your goals? At Arête Health Group in Paramus, we believe your care should feel personal, thoughtful, and centered around you. If chronic pain is holding you back, our providers are here to help you find lasting relief. Schedule your consultation to see if radiofrequency ablation is right for you.
