Illustration · Where it works

Treatments · Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation

Heat applied to small pain-carrying nerves to quiet joint pain in the spine, knee or hip for months.

The short answer

Radiofrequency ablation uses a heated needle tip to disable the small nerves that carry pain from specific joints, most often the facet joints of the spine. It usually follows diagnostic nerve blocks that confirm those nerves are the source. Relief often lasts many months, and because nerves can regrow, Dr. Patel may repeat it if it helped.

TypeAblation
GuidanceLive X-ray (fluoroscopy)
Also calledRFA, Rhizotomy, Radiofrequency neurotomy

01 · Who it helps

Is it right for you?

Tap what applies to you

Nothing ticked yet

A consultation with Dr. Patel confirms whether this treatment is the right fit.

Conditions it treats

Facet Joint Syndrome Back Pain Neck Pain Sacroiliac Joint Pain Knee Pain Hip Pain Whiplash

02 · How it works

How it works

Pain from a joint reaches your brain through small sensory nerves. In the spine, the facet joints are supplied by nerves called medial branches. The knee, hip and sacroiliac joint have their own small nerves. When arthritis or injury makes a joint painful, these nerves keep sending signals. Radiofrequency ablation, also called rhizotomy, targets those nerves rather than the joint itself.

Using live X-ray, Dr. Patel places a thin, insulated needle beside each targeted nerve. Radiofrequency energy heats only the tip, creating a small, controlled lesion on the nerve. This interrupts its ability to carry pain signals. There is no incision, and the procedure is done in the office without opioids or open surgery. The larger spinal nerves that control your arms and legs are kept safely away.

Before ablation, you usually have diagnostic blocks, such as medial branch blocks, that briefly numb the same nerves. Clear relief from those blocks makes success with ablation more likely. Without that step, the result is far less predictable. This is why the process starts with testing and not with ablation.

Relief is not permanent. Treated nerves usually regrow over time, and pain may gradually return. For many people relief lasts several months to a year, and sometimes longer. If the first treatment helped, it can usually be repeated. Many people use the stretch of lower pain to rebuild strength and stay active.

03 · What happens

Your appointment, step by step

Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many nerves are treated, plus time to check in and rest.

01/ 06

Diagnostic blocks first

After a full evaluation, including your history and imaging such as MRI or CT, you usually have one or two sets of diagnostic nerve blocks on separate days. Ablation is scheduled only if they give clear relief.

02/ 06

Preparation

You lie face down for spine treatments, or on your back for the knee. The skin is cleaned and numbed. If light sedation is used, you stay awake enough to answer questions during testing.

03/ 06

Placing the needles

Under live X-ray, Dr. Patel guides each thin, insulated needle to its nerve and checks the position from more than one angle.

04/ 06

Safety testing

A small electrical signal confirms the position. You may feel tingling or pressure in your usual pain area, or a twitch in the small back muscles. Dr. Patel checks that the arm or leg does not twitch, which confirms the larger nerves are clear.

05/ 06

Ablation

Numbing medicine is placed at each site. The tip is then heated for about a minute or two at each spot. You may feel warmth or pressure.

06/ 06

Rest and home

You rest briefly, then go home the same day with written instructions and someone to drive you.

04 · After the procedure

After the procedure · Honest risks

Recovery

Soreness at the treatment sites for a few days is common. Ice packs often help.
Some people notice burning or sunburn-like sensitivity over the area for a few weeks. This usually settles on its own.
Relief is usually not immediate. It often builds over two to four weeks.
Most people return to normal daily activities the next day. Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Avoid soaking in a bath, hot tub or pool for a day or two.
Physical therapy or a home exercise program helps you make the most of the relief.

Honest risks

Soreness, bruising or swelling at the needle sites
Temporary burning, numbness or skin sensitivity over the treated area (neuritis)
Pain that returns as the nerves regrow, usually after months
Infection or bleeding, which are rare
Rarely, injury to a nearby nerve, causing numbness or weakness
Rarely, a skin burn at the needle site or grounding pad

05 · Questions

Questions

Is radiofrequency ablation permanent?

No. The treated nerves usually regrow, and pain may return. For many people relief lasts about 3 to 12 months, and sometimes longer. If it worked well, the procedure can usually be repeated.

Will it affect my strength or movement?

The nerves treated carry sensation from the joint. In the spine, they also supply small stabilizing muscles at each level, and losing that input does not usually cause noticeable weakness. The larger nerves that control your arms and legs are kept away from the heated tip.

Why do I need nerve blocks first?

The blocks show whether the targeted nerves actually carry your pain. Ablating nerves that are not the source will not help. Clear relief from the blocks makes it much more likely the ablation will work.

Is this the same as rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia or spasticity?

No. The word rhizotomy is used for several different procedures. Treatments for trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial nerve pain) and for spasticity are separate procedures, usually done by neurosurgeons. Dr. Patel can explain the difference and help with a referral if one fits your situation.

Can I have it if I have a pacemaker or another implanted device?

Often yes, but it needs planning. Tell Dr. Patel about any pacemaker, defibrillator, spinal cord stimulator or other implant. The device may need to be checked or adjusted, sometimes with your cardiologist or device team.

This page explains a condition or treatment in general. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice for you. Dr. Patel will explain what applies to you at your visit.