Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain by targeting specific nerves.
During this treatment, heat generated by radio waves is applied to small nerve areas to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
RFA is commonly used for back, neck, and joint pain, especially when other treatments like medications or injections have not provided lasting relief.
What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?
- Chronic low back pain
- Neck pain
- Facet joint syndrome
- Arthritis-related joint pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Knee pain (genicular nerve RFA)
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
- A thin needle is placed near the targeted nerve
- An electrode delivers radiofrequency energy (heat)
- The heat creates a small lesion on the nerve
- This blocks the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before the Procedure
- A medial branch block or diagnostic injection is usually performed first
- If significant relief is achieved, RFA is recommended
During the Procedure
- Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance)
- Local anesthesia with or without sedation
- A needle is placed near the nerve
- Heat is applied through an electrode
- Procedure takes 15–60 minutes
After the Procedure
- Same-day discharge
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Return to normal activity within 24–48 hours
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
✔ Minimally invasive, no surgery required
✔ Provides longer-lasting relief than injections
✔ Reduces need for pain medications
✔ Improves mobility and function
✔ Quick recovery time
Pain relief can last 6–12 months or longer, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have chronic pain lasting 3–6 months or more
- Have pain coming from facet or joint-related nerves
- Experienced relief from a diagnostic nerve block
- Have not improved with medications or therapy
👉 RFA works best when the pain source is clearly identified
Risks & Side Effects
- Temporary soreness or burning sensation
- Numbness at the treatment site
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- Nerve injury (very rare)
When Is This Treatment Recommended?
- Conservative treatments have failed
- Diagnostic injections confirm the pain source
- Pain is chronic and affecting daily life
- Patients want to avoid surgery
Recovery & Results
- Mild soreness may last a few days
- Pain relief may begin within 1–3 weeks
- Relief typically lasts months to over a year
- Nerves may regenerate over time, and the procedure can be repeated
FAQs
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
Book an appointment here to learn more or call us at 913-339-9437 to schedule now.
Some Of The Other Surgical Procedures We Provide:
FAQs
RFA uses a heated electrode at 80°C for about 90 seconds to disrupt the nerve’s ability to send pain signals, resulting in reduced pain for the patient.
A patient must complete two successful Medial Branch Block (MBB) trials to confirm that the correct nerve is responsible for their pain.
RFA is typically used for Axial Low Back Pain caused by facet-mediated pain secondary to osteoarthritis of the spine.
RFA can help treat low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, cancer pain, arthritis, herniated discs, migraine headaches, whiplash CAD, and post-laminectomy syndrome.