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Motionis

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to reduce chronic neck or back pain caused by facet joint–mediated nerve signals. By targeting specific pain-transmitting nerves, RFA can provide longer-lasting relief for appropriately selected patients.

At Motionis Medicine, RFA is performed as part of a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach using advanced imaging for precision and safety.

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Understanding the Procedure

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION?

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled thermal energy to interrupt pain signals carried by specific nerves—most commonly the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints of the spine.

The goals of RFA are to:

Reduce chronic pain signals from facet joints

Improve function and tolerance for activity

Provide longer-lasting relief than diagnostic injections

Avoid or delay surgical intervention when appropriate

RFA does not affect motor function or spinal stability and is performed as an outpatient procedure.

When Is This Procedure Used?

CONDITIONS EVALUATED WITH MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCKS

Medial branch blocks are most often used when facet joint–related pain is suspected, commonly associated with conditions such as:

Facet Joint Pain

caused by joint inflammation or degeneration

Neck Pain

related to cervical facet arthritis

Back Pain

driven by lumbar facet joint dysfunction

Spondylolisthesis

involving abnormal spinal movement

Degenerative spinal changes

and age-related arthritis

RFA is typically recommended after diagnostic medial branch blocks have demonstrated temporary but meaningful pain relief.

What to Expect

HOW RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION IS PERFORMED

Radiofrequency ablation is performed using real-time image guidance to accurately target the nerves responsible for transmitting facet joint–related pain. During the procedure:

STEP 01

Patient Positioning

Patients are positioned to allow precise access to the targeted spinal level

STEP 02

Local Anesthesia

The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

STEP 03

Image Guidance

Fluoroscopic guidance is used to identify and confirm the correct nerve targets

STEP 04

Targeted Injection

Controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to interrupt pain signal transmission

STEP 05

Recovery Monitoring

Patients are monitored briefly before discharge.

The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes. Most patients return home the same day and gradually resume normal activities based on physician guidance.

Relationship to Medial Branch Blocks

ROLE OF RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION IN PAIN MANAGEMENT

Radiofrequency ablation is a targeted, longer-lasting treatment that is only considered after confirming the source of pain. Before RFA is performed:

Diagnostic role

Medial Branch Blocks are used to confirm that facet joints are the primary pain generator

Therapeutic role

Temporary but meaningful pain relief from diagnostic blocks helps predict response to RFA

This stepwise approach ensures that radiofrequency ablation is offered only when there is strong evidence that the targeted nerves are contributing to pain. By carefully selecting appropriate candidates, this diagnostic-first process helps improve treatment accuracy and outcomes while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

Precision and Accuracy

IMAGE GUIDANCE & SAFETY

Image guidance allows the physician to:

Accurately target the correct nerves

Avoid nearby structures

Confirm appropriate placement before injection

This approach reflects modern standards in interventional spine care.

Physician Expertise

PHYSICIAN EXPERTISE

Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD

All medial branch blocks at Motionis Medicine are performed by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with advanced training in image-guided spine procedures.

Dr. Palvia personally evaluates each patient and determines whether facet joint injections are appropriate as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan.

Learn more about Dr. Palvia
RESULTS & EXPECTATIONS

What Outcomes Can Patients Expect?

Results vary based on individual factors and diagnosis. Patients may experience:

Pain relief lasting several months or longer

Improved ability to perform daily activities

Reduced reliance on pain medications

Because nerves may regenerate over time, pain relief is not permanent, but RFA can be repeated when clinically appropriate.

RELATED TREATMENTS

Common Follow-up & Combined Therapies

Based on diagnostic results, medial branch blocks may be followed by:

Medial Branch Block

Facet Joint Injection

Epidural Steroid Injection

Trigger Point Injection
NON-SURGICAL SPINE CARE OPTIONS

Broader Clinical Approaches

Radiofrequency ablation may be part of a broader non-surgical spine care strategy that includes:

Alternatives to Spine Surgery

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Spine Regeneration & Preservation

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FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions

Relief may last several months or longer, depending on individual response and nerve regeneration.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic and comfort measures are used.

No. RFA targets specific pain-transmitting nerves and does not affect spinal stability.

In some cases, it may delay or reduce the need for surgery, but outcomes vary.

Schedule a Spine Evaluation

If chronic neck or back pain persists despite conservative care, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether radiofrequency ablation is appropriate.

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