Radiofrequency ablation | Interventional Spine
Radiofrequency ablation
A minimally invasive treatment for back and neck pain*
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide lasting relief to those suffering from orthopedic, lumbar, thoracic or cervical facet joint pain.1-4 In fact, selected clinical studies show that RFA significantly reduces pain for up to six months or longer in patients.4,5
How it works
Before the procedure
Your doctor will confirm your diagnosis. If you are a good candidate for RFA, your doctor will ask you for the following information:
- Current medications, including herbal supplements and their dosages
- Known drug, iodine or latex allergies
- Current health conditions and past medical/ surgical history
During the procedure
RFA may be performed while you’re awake, but sedated. Your back is numbed with a local anesthetic. Using x-ray imaging, your doctor inserts a needle and electrode and guides them to the treatment area. A high-frequency electrical current then passes through the electrode, heating up and “lesioning” the sensory nerve.9
After the procedure
Your blood pressure and pulse will be monitored before you go home. You may feel sore or have pain in the treated area, but most people are able to return to work and normal activities within a couple of days.10 Pain relief is typically experienced one to three weeks after RFA.11,9 Since nerves can repair themselves, the pain may return. If this happens, talk to your doctor about if the procedure can be repeated.6
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Potential risks of the procedure
There are a few risks associated with lumbar RFA and they tend to be rare. The potential risks include, but are not limited to sensitivity over skin of the injection site, skin infection over the injection site, damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves during needle placement, and heat damage to structures near the target nerve.12
Please consult with your doctor for the full list of possible side effects related to these RFA procedures.
*Please note radiofrequency nerve ablation is also indicated in other anatomical sites, including the knee and shoulder. Please see the IFU for the complete list of indications
†Pain relief can last from six months to 12 months. For some people, the relief lasts a few years.
††Most people return to regular activities after a day or two of rest.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide what course of treatment is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatment is right for you. Any medical procedure carries certain risks and your doctor will explain all possible complications and/or side effects. Not all patients will experience the same results.
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- Conger A et al. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation of medial branch nerves for chronic lumbar facet joint syndrome in patients selected by guideline-concordant dual comparative medial branch blocks. Pain Medicine. 2020; 21(5):902-909.
- Cetin A and Yektas A. Evaluation of the short- and long-term effectiveness of pulsed radiofrequency and conventional radiofrequency performed for medial branch block in patients with lumbar facet joint pain. Pain Research and Management. 2018; 2018:7492753.
- Son J et al. The efficacy of repeated radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy for lumbar facet syndrome. Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society. 2010; 48(3):240-243.
- Boswell M et al. Therapeutic facet joint interventions in chronic spinal pain: A systematic review of effectiveness and complications. Pain Physician. 2005; 8(1):101-114.
- Boswell M et al. A systematic review of therapeutic facet joint interventions in chronic spinal pain. Pain Physician. 2007; 10(1):229-253.
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Retrieved on June 11, 2025 from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
- Boswell MV, Colson JD, Sehgal N, Dunbar EE, Epter R. A systematic review of therapeutic facet joint interventions in chronic spinal pain. Pain Physician 2007 Jan;10(1):229-53.
- Bogduk N. Management of chronic low back pain. The Medical Journal of Australia. 2004; 180(2):79-83.
- Kennedy D. (2025, April 16). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Procedure and recovery. Retrieved on June 13, 2025 from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery.
- Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain Management. Retrieved on June 13, 2025 from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
- Richeimer S. (2025 April 16). Radiofrequency ablation treatment for neck, back and sacroiliac pain. Retrieved on June 13, 2025 from: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain
- Kennedy D. (2025, April 16). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) side effects and risks. Retrieved on June 13, 2025 from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-side-effects-and-risks
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