Radiofrequency Ablation
Treatment for mechanical neck and low back pain due to facet joint inflammation.
Effective for many months to years, the goal of the radiofrequency ablation is to provide more long term relief of facet joint mediated pain than regular medial branch blocks or facet joint steroid injections. Radiofrequency neurotomy is indicated once the facet joints have been precisely identified the primary pain generator and steroid injections are effective for only short periods of time.
The facet joints are the small joints located between each vertebra that provide the spine with both stability and flexibility. Facet syndrome occurs when one or more of these joints become inflamed or irritated. Patients often report increased back pain with extension or prolonged periods of inactivity like sitting or standing too long. Changing positions often improves the pain.
WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?
A radiofrequency procedure interrupts the sensory nerve supply to the involved facet joint through the use of thermal denervation. Under local anesthesia with light intravenous sedation, our pain management specialist at the Virginia Spine Institute will use fluoroscopic (live x-ray) guidance to place special radiofrequency needles in the proximity of the nerves that supply the inflamed facet joint. After testing to ensure that the needle is in the correct position, a heat lesion is generated to deaden the nerve.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The radiofrequency ablation procedure is an outpatient procedure which traditionally takes about 30 minutes to complete (with some additional time for observation after intravenous sedation). Symptom relief can range from six months to a year but can last longer as well. It can be repeated in six months to a year, if needed.Radiofrequency has been performed safely for many years with excellent outcomes. You may have a sore back or neck for one to two days. It is recommended that you take it easy on the day of procedure, but return to usual activities the following day. The benefit from this procedure will typically occur within two weeks.
