Radiofrequency ablation,
after a clear answer.

RFA is most often considered for facet-related neck and back pain, where medial branch radiofrequency ablation treats facet joint pain confirmed by medial branch blocks, for sacroiliac joint pain, and for knee pain through the genicular nerves, including knee arthritis in people who wish to delay or avoid joint replacement. It is not a treatment for pain from a pinched nerve root.

Before RFA, a diagnostic block numbs the same small nerves with local anesthetic. If your usual pain eases meaningfully for the expected time, RFA becomes a reasonable next step. If it does not, we look for a different source rather than proceed. This step protects you from a procedure that is unlikely to help.

The area is numbed, and thin probes are placed beside the target nerves. A brief test confirms the position before heat is applied. Procedures are image-guided, using ultrasound or X-ray guidance depending on the target. The visit usually takes under an hour, and someone should drive you home. Soreness for a few days is common.

When RFA helps, relief can last months. Nerves can regenerate, and pain may return; if the first treatment helped, it may be repeated. Results vary, and no outcome is promised. Rehabilitation during the window of relief matters, and surgery remains a last resort, pursued only when it is truly needed.

For people whose facet pain returns after radiofrequency ablation, the medial branch nerve can be cut under direct endoscopic vision through a small incision. Early studies suggest longer relief than radiofrequency ablation, though the evidence is still limited.