Radiofrequency Ablations: What You Should Know

Radiofrequency ablations, also called rhizotomy, is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. Radiofrequency waves ablate, or “burn,” the nerve that is causing the pain, essentially eliminating the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

This procedure is most commonly used to treat chronic pain and conditions such as arthritis of the spine (spondylosis) and sacroiliitis. It is also used to treat neck, back, knee, pelvic and peripheral nerve pain. The benefits of radiofrequency ablation include: avoiding surgery, immediate pain relief, little to no recovery time, decreased need for pain medication, improved function, and a quicker return to work and other activities.

The patient lies on an x-ray table. Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. The patient experiences minimal discomfort throughout the procedure. The patient remains awake and aware during the procedure to provide feedback to the physician. A light sedative can be used during the procedure.

The technique for nerve ablation is similar to that used for diagnostic blocks. With the aid of a fluoroscope, the doctor directs a needle into the area responsible for the pain. Fluoroscopy allows the doctor to watch the needle in real-time on the fluoroscope monitor to make sure that the needle goes to the desired location.

Once the needle is in place, the patient receives an anesthetic medication through the needle. Then a radiofrequency current is passed through the needle to create a small and precise burn, called a lesion, about the size of a cotton swab tip. The current destroys the portion of the nerve that transmits pain and disrupts the pain-producing signal. The burn takes approximately 80 seconds for each site, and multiple nerves can be burned at the same time.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a relatively safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. The complications reported in the literature include: temporary increase in nerve pain, neuritis, neuroma, localized numbness, infection, allergic reaction to medications used during the procedure, and/or lack of pain relief (in less than 30% of patients).

[pjritts]

I had one done in May 2019. My procedure was completely pain free, took about 15 minutes and lasted an amazing 5 years. I’m getting another procedure today.

[loriru]

This was the best decision I have ever made. After five years of not being able to stand for more than 1 minute, or sleep for more than the time the ice would melt, I was pain free, I could sleep through the night, walk straight up, feel like a human being. I hope anyone who has a qualified Doctor recommend this procedure not be afraid to go through with it. It has changed my life.

[patrickpatrick]

My Doctor give a mild sedation through a vein. It really relaxes you. I’ve had the procedure at the VA and your given balls to squeeze for pain. It’s all doable, but if you can find a doctor who offers more sedation, choose him, or her.

[azeemali]

Was a step forward for me had lower lumbar done, years later it helped me become more active highly recomended for those who have tried everything.

[MrsSherrymcm]

I had this done today…. Let me tell you, I cried! The numbing injection hurt, the probes being inserted hurts… now I’m incredibly sore. Not going to work tonight. Praying for a long term relief.

[brendacrum]

Oct 15, 2024 had left side of neck done. Dr gave me pill for relaxation and pill for pain felt nothing except pain shot like going to dentist no pain during procedure. My dr very gentle and caring. Give credit to the Lord i prayed 1st asked him to send me to good dr. The 2 pills you take first makes a difference trust me j was so nervous can't wait to have right side done in 2 weeks

[evelynsandig]

I would never have this procedure without sedation. I went to sleep and didn't know a thing until it was over.

[johntrauger]

I've had this procedure more times than I can remember for over a decade I'd say. Works well for me. I usually get one once a year or so.

[lindabrennan]

Just had this procedure today after an unsuccessful Anterior Disc Cervical Fusion 5 months ago. The procedure took 45 minutes in 4 areas right side of neck and shoulder. Excrutiating doesn't quite cover the experience I had, pain, pressure and shock. But if it relieves the non stop relentless pain then I would do it again Not to scare anyone but it's a lot .Fingers crossed and respect to the doctors who try their best to help people

[FleetingHeart]

I work for pain management doctor and thank goodness I work with him cause I was having horrible pain in my neck due to being rear ended twice and putting dumb bar with heavy weights on my neck.
I have see a lot people do good with this procedure first hand

[HeliRy]

Just had my first RFA session today. Three spots targeted in the lumbar region. And mother of god, words do not describe how excruciating it was lol. Not the act of burning away the nerves, hardly felt that. But the insertion of the probes through all the muscles to the bone… holy crap. If full sedation is an option for you, take it. If not I would highly recommend an Ativan or something like that before hand.
Been 12 hours and no lingering numbness. The sensation now is hard to describe. Some intense residual internal pain from the procedure that comes and goes, but the “normal” chronic pain I have has been greatly reduced. They also injected me with a steroid which can often give huge symptom relief within 24-48 hours.
The experience was hell, not gonna lie. But if it frees me from the shackles of chronic and blinding back pain, then I’ll be going back as needed with a smile on my face.
I’m tired of being a prisoner in my own body. And if 30 minutes of pure torture is the price I have to pay to get out of jail… it’s worth it.

[cherylspirlin]

I had to be tested first on each side of my back in separate appointments and those were horrible to me…I just had my procedure today and I was sedated and the procedure was great….cant wait see the results !

[JGphins]

Considering doing a second RFA with my VA providers AUG 2022. The first RFA was about 1.5 yrs ago & it offered some minimal improvement as it relates to feeling pain or numbness in my right leg but my back spasms and numbness on my left leg were still present then and today. Valid concerns are in regards to many folks whom have lost mobility and feeling to legs… I have lived in so much pain for 15 plus years that the RFA procedure didn’t hurt has much as I’ve read… on a scale from one to ten I rate it a 5. It did hurt, trust me. You need to be awake to answer doctors questions as to where you feel the pinch prior to the laser durns of nerve roots. I have got to do more research to determine if a second round of RFA is worth the risk of failure or complications. I value dearly the little mobility I have left.

Good luck to all seeking pain relief, Lord knows we need it!!!

[rosac.]

I have a very high tolerance for pain, got the sedation option, and STILL cried. Got it in my cervical spine. C3-C7. Still hurts like hell 10 mins later, but praying for long term relief. My left side is in 2 weeks 🙏🏼

[jujub]

Got one done on 2/1/23 and this was the best experience for me I was first given sedition then propofol and I didn’t feel or remember a thing it worked for me that night.
I had this before back in 202 and it didn’t work I was given a light sedation and it did jack I was very hesitant to do it again, but I am so glad I pursued it with better pain management team and being out completely.

[brendacrum]

Oct 24, 2024 its been 9 days since my neck ablation left side. Have some pain which is normal it can take up to 14 days for nerves to die. In 5 days I'll have the right side done. Procedure was not painful. Get a good dr that caring and gentle.

[sandysconce]

3:02 Had it done today, and even with numbing meds and some fentanyl, it hurt alittle and was intense but so worth it.

[tncorgi]

Thank you for this video. I get RFA on my neck in a couple of weeks. Previously, no one (even a neurosurgeon) told me it existed, the VA has had me jumping thru hoops for 18 months trying different therapies that failed. I'm so glad I found out about it!

[Teresa-L.]

I just had this done yesterday on left and right L3, L4, and L5 through Kaiser Permanente Tacoma. The first two test procedures are very painful; I had six injections each side...a few F-bombs and friendly banter with the doctor and staff helped 😊🤭. The rhizotomy was surprisingly mostly painless. You are sedated, but you can still communicate with the doctor. Its been 36 hours and I only feel a mild ache in the injection site. The doctor said to be prepared for it to take about a month for total healing. It's important to find a doctor who you feel comfortable with and has a good reputation. My doctor has been amazing. He was upfront about the level of pain for the test procedures and was very caring and supportive throughout each procedure. I'm hoping that the ablation gives me quality relief so that I can just get back to doing the basics again. I'll see how well this works and may get my neck done also. I have RA, OA, fibromyalgia, and ME/CFS so severe chronic pain has been a way of life for over 20 years. Hoping this gives me some relief.

[MzNiqua]

I'm going in the morning to get it done! I am in so much pain!! Thankful for this procedure🙏🏾🙂