Radiofrequency treatment of spine joints
radiofrequency ablation · facet joint denervation · RF denervation · burning the nerve in the back
Using a thin needle with an electric current, the doctor heats the tiny nerves that carry pain from the spine joints. The pain gets weaker.
For long-lasting neck or lower back pain from the spine joints, when a trial block helped.
⏱ Duration: the procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes; watching afterward is about an hour
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Trial block. Usually a trial injection is done first. If the pain eased, the procedure is done.
- Images. Bring your spine MRI or CT.
- Food. Usually a light meal is fine. If sedation is planned, ask the clinic about timing.
- Getting home. Ask someone to take you home.
What to bring
- Your referral and images
- Your ID
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- You lie on your stomach, or on your back for the neck
- The skin is cleaned and numbed
- Under X-ray, the doctor guides thin needles to the nerves
- The spot is tested with a weak current. You may feel tingling
- The needle tip is heated and the nerve stops carrying pain
- The needles are removed and a plaster is applied
What you'll feel
- The numbing injections sting
- During testing you may feel tingling or muscle twitching
- For a few days or weeks afterward, burning or aching at the site
Afterwards
- Take it easy today and do not drive
- The effect usually comes after 2 to 4 weeks
- Keep up your exercise therapy. It helps keep the result
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Fever above 38, redness and swelling at the injection sites
- Growing weakness or numbness in an arm or leg: call your doctor
- You cannot pass urine or hold it: call your local emergency number
Common questions
Will the nerve not recover?
Over time the nerve can recover and the pain can return. Then the procedure is sometimes repeated.
Is it risky for movement?
Only tiny nerves that carry joint pain are heated. The muscles of the legs and arms are usually not affected.