Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): what is it?
Radio waves are used in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency treatment, rhizotomy or spinal ablation, to heat up a specific nerves which prevent the pain signals to reach your brain. People suffering from chronic pain, particularly those in the neck, lower back, and arthritic joints, may find long-lasting relief with RFA.
Why is RFA or radiofrequency ablation performed?
Radiofrequency ablation aims to do the following:
- Cut back on the amount of painkillers you consume.
- Steer clear of or postpone surgery.
- Reduce or eliminate pain.
- Boost performance.
Pain Management Stages
Conditions Treated By Radiofrequency Ablation in Neurosurgery
Treatments for radiofrequency ablation include:
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint syndrome.
- Facet joint arthritis.
- Trigeminal neuralgia causing pain in the face.
- Some spinal tumors (to kill cells).
What is the process of radiofrequency ablation?
Heat from radio waves is used in radiofrequency ablation to target damaged tissue. Damage to nerve tissue caused by radiofrequency treatment blocks or halts the pain signal from reaching the brain, relieving pain.
A small-sized, hollow needle is placed into the targeted nerve, generating pain during a radiofrequency ablation operation. Radio waves are transmitted to the targeted nerve through the needle by an electrode put into the needle’s top.
A lesion caused by the heat stops the nerve from communicating pain to your brain. During the process, nearby healthy nerves are not harmed.
Spine Pain Treatment
Radiofrequency ablation for back pain is a common treatment for your spine, particularly your neck (cervical region) and lower back (lumbar region).
Nerves from your spinal cord emerge in your spine and go to the sacroiliac and facet joints. Small joints called facet joints are located in pairs between your spine’s vertebrae. These joints provide flexibility to your spine and enable back motion, including bending and twisting. Your brain receives a signal from the two little nerves known as medial branch nerves attached to your facet joints, informing it that there is pain.
Sacroiliac joints are located above your tailbone, close to the base of your spine, connecting sacrum to pelvis. Your brain receives pain signals from there via lateral branch nerves attached to these joints.
Pain signals are blocked from reaching your brain when radiofrequency ablation treats the targeted medial branch nerve in the facet joints or the lateral branch nerve in the sacroiliac joints.

Spinal ablation aftercare
Shortly following your RF ablation, you’ll return home. You need someone to drive you home.
After you get home, relax. After the treatment, avoid driving and physical activities for a full day. After a day or two, you can resume your regular activities, such as taking showers or baths.
You can have some discomfort, pain, or muscular spasms at the treatment site for a few days following treatment. For the soreness, your doctor might have recommended painkillers. But you will be able to resume your normal daily activities right after the procedure.
Consult Dr. Martin Liner - A renowned spine surgeon in Dubai
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