Home » Knowledge Center » Pain Management » Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation

Facet Block and Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation

There are small nerves around our spinal structures that are responsible for pain perception, sensation, balance, and muscle movement. The pain nerves are called nociceptors and supply the facet joints, the various spinal ligaments, the outer wall of the intervertebral disc, and the fibrous covering of the bone called the periosteum.

When other attempts at pain control fail, the radio frequency nerve ablation can be performed to destroy, or ablate, the nerve endings around a certain structure responsible for pain. The procedure is performed using a special probe that emits high frequency radio waves that destroys the sensitive nerve endings.

In the past, this procedure was also called a rhizotomy and was performed either surgically (cutting the nerve), with high heat (cautery), or by freezing the nerve (cryo). Success rates have been extremely variable and the pain has a tendency to recur in six to eight months due to the nerves growing back in many cases.

Prior to the radio frequency nerve ablation, a facet block using numbing medication is usually performed to be sure of the correct painful structure and location. If the numbing medicine relieves the pain, then the radio frequency procedure is performed in the same area. The block and procedure must be done using television x-ray to be sure of the proper location.

Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation can treat the following conditions:

Sprains and Strains
Facet Arthritis
Spinal Stenosis