Chronic pain can feel like an unwelcome guest that never leaves. Whether it’s due to arthritis, a past injury, or spinal degeneration, many people struggle to find relief that lasts longer than a few hours or days. The frustration of cycling through pain medications, physical therapy sessions, or even invasive surgeries without lasting results can be overwhelming. If you’re among the millions seeking a solution, you’re not alone and there’s a procedure that might provide the relief you’ve been hoping for.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is gaining attention as a non-surgical option that offers months of relief from persistent back and neck pain. It’s commonly used to treat issues stemming from the spine, such as pain linked to degenerative disc disease or inflamed facet joints. Performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure uses heat generated by radio waves to precisely target and disable the nerves transmitting pain signals. Unlike temporary fixes, RFA goes to the root of the problem.
Before RFA is performed, patients usually undergo a medial branch block, which helps confirm the source of the pain. If successful, the next step is radiofrequency ablation, often referred to as facet rhizotomy when addressing back pain. For those seeking help from pain specialists in Richmond, VA, RFA might be a practical and effective step forward.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation and How Does It Work?
Radiofrequency ablation works by sending electrical currents through a small probe to generate heat. This heat is applied to the targeted nerve tissue responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. By disrupting these nerve pathways, RFA can effectively “turn off” the pain for months at a time. While the affected nerves eventually regenerate, many patients experience prolonged relief, and the procedure can be repeated if necessary with similar results.
How Does It Compare to Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are often the first line of treatment for inflammation and nerve irritation. They work by reducing swelling around the affected nerves, offering temporary pain relief. However, their effect usually fades within a few weeks to months. In contrast, radiofrequency ablation doesn’t just reduce inflammation—it disables the nerve’s ability to transmit pain, often resulting in more sustained relief without the need for frequent repeat visits.
Is It Better Than Prescription Pain Medications?
Prescription pain relievers, especially opioids, can help manage severe chronic pain, but they come with significant risks. Tolerance, dependency, and side effects like drowsiness, constipation, or nausea can make long-term use problematic. Radiofrequency ablation provides a drug-free alternative that directly targets the source of the pain, reducing or even eliminating the need for ongoing medication in many patients.
Surgical Intervention vs. Radiofrequency Ablation
Surgery may be necessary for some conditions, but it’s invasive, carries potential complications, and involves lengthy recovery periods. Radiofrequency ablation, by contrast, is minimally invasive, requires no large incisions, and is typically performed in less than an hour. Recovery is quick, and most patients resume normal activities within a few days. For those who are not ideal surgical candidates or want to avoid surgery altogether, RFA presents a compelling alternative.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Ideal candidates include individuals suffering from chronic neck or back pain, particularly due to facet joint arthritis or degenerative disc issues. Before the procedure, a successful medial branch block is typically used to confirm the correct source of the pain. People who have found only short-term relief with other methods, like injections or medications, but who are not ready or willing to undergo surgery, often respond well to RFA.
How Long Does Relief Last and What’s the Recovery Like?
Most patients report pain relief lasting between 6 to 12 months, though some experience longer benefits. The nerves do eventually grow back, but the pain doesn’t always return. If it does, the procedure can be safely repeated. Recovery is quick, with most people returning to work or daily activities within a few days. Minor soreness or discomfort at the treatment site is normal but typically fades within a week.
Chronic pain can disrupt every part of daily life, but treatment options like radiofrequency ablation offer renewed hope. Unlike temporary fixes or medication-based approaches, RFA directly interrupts pain at its source with long-lasting results. If you’ve exhausted other treatments or are searching for a more sustainable solution, it may be time to consider radiofrequency ablation.
At Commonwealth Spine & Pain Specialists, our expert team of pain specialists in Richmond, VA is ready to help you explore whether radiofrequency ablation is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
