Radiofrequency Ablation

In Phoenix Arizona

We offer Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Phoenix, AZ to help manage chronic nerve-related pain. This minimally invasive procedure disrupts pain signals, providing long-lasting relief for conditions like spinal arthritis and facet joint pain. RFA reduces pain, improves mobility, and enhances quality of life without major surgery or long-term medication use.

What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain by disrupting nerve signals responsible for pain transmission. By using heat generated from radio waves, RFA targets and deactivates specific nerves, preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain. This procedure is commonly recommended for patients who experience long-term pain that hasn’t responded to medications, physical therapy, or injections.

RFA is particularly effective for spinal pain, arthritis-related joint pain, and nerve-related pain conditions. Since the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime, many patients experience long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility within days. The effects can last anywhere from six months to over a year, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a non-surgical alternative to pain management.

Benefits of
Radiofrequency Ablation

Effective Long-Term Pain Relief

RFA provides significant pain reduction by disrupting the pain signals sent by affected nerves. Unlike medications that only mask pain, RFA targets the source by using controlled heat to deactivate specific nerves responsible for chronic discomfort. Many patients experience relief lasting from six months to over a year, depending on individual nerve regeneration. For some, pain relief extends well beyond a year, reducing the need for repeated treatments. By offering long-term pain control, RFA helps improve quality of life, mobility, and overall daily function without relying on constant medical intervention.

Minimally Invasive with Quick Recovery

Unlike traditional surgical procedures, RFA involves only a small needle insertion, making it one of the least invasive pain management techniques available. Since there is no need for large incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia, the procedure minimizes surgical risks and allows for a quicker return to daily activities. Most patients can go home the same day and resume light activities within 24 to 48 hours. Because it does not require extended hospital stays or prolonged rehabilitation, RFA is an efficient solution for chronic pain relief with minimal disruption to daily life.

Reduces or Eliminates the Need for Medications

For individuals who rely on opioids, NSAIDs, or other pain medications for chronic pain, RFA offers a safer, drug-free alternative. Since the procedure stops pain at its source, many patients are able to reduce or completely eliminate their reliance on medication. This helps prevent opioid dependence, tolerance buildup, and medication side effects like drowsiness, nausea, and digestive issues. With RFA, patients can experience consistent, long-lasting pain relief without the risks of prolonged medication use, allowing for a healthier and more sustainable pain management approach.

Alternative to Surgery

Not all patients are candidates for spinal fusion, joint replacements, or other invasive surgical procedures. RFA provides an effective alternative for those looking to manage chronic pain without the risks of major surgery. Since it does not require implants, large incisions, or structural changes to the body, RFA is a lower-risk, lower-complication option that can provide meaningful relief without the lengthy recovery time associated with traditional surgery. It is particularly beneficial for older adults or individuals with underlying health conditions who may not tolerate major surgical interventions well.

Treats Multiple Pain Conditions

One of the key benefits of RFA is its versatility in treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions. It is commonly used for spinal pain, arthritis-related joint pain, and neuropathic pain caused by irritated or damaged nerves. Conditions such as facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, knee osteoarthritis, and nerve-related back pain respond particularly well to RFA. Because it can be customized to target specific nerves, the procedure provides personalized pain relief based on a patient's unique pain patterns and medical history.

Safe and Repeatable

Because nerves regenerate at different rates, some patients may experience recurring pain over time. Fortunately, RFA can be safely repeated as needed to provide consistent and ongoing pain relief without causing permanent damage to the surrounding tissues. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, repeat treatments carry little risk and can be performed as necessary to maintain long-term pain management. For patients with chronic, recurring pain conditions, the ability to undergo additional RFA procedures when needed makes it a reliable and sustainable option for pain relief.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA is used to treat a variety of chronic pain conditions, particularly those involving the spine, joints, and peripheral nerves. These include:

Chronic Back and Neck Pain – Often caused by facet joint arthritis or nerve compression.

Osteoarthritis-Related Joint Pain – Effective for knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis pain when other treatments fail.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain – Pain originating from inflammation or dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis.

Neuropathic Pain – Conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or post-herpetic neuralgia.

Headaches & Migraines – Used for cervicogenic headaches and occipital neuralgia caused by irritated nerves in the upper spine.

Purpose of Radiofrequency Ablation

The goal of RFA is to provide long-term pain relief by disrupting pain signals at their source. Instead of relying on temporary pain relief methods like injections or medications, RFA offers a more sustainable solution for chronic pain sufferers. By applying controlled heat energy to specific nerves, the procedure stops pain transmission without affecting surrounding tissues or overall nerve function.

This procedure is often recommended for patients who have successfully responded to diagnostic nerve blocks, indicating that their pain originates from specific nerves. With minimal risks and long-lasting results, RFA helps patients return to normal activities without the burden of chronic pain.

Limitations of Radiofrequency Ablation

While RFA is highly effective, it may not be suitable for all types of pain. It works best for nerve-related pain conditions, meaning that muscle pain, mechanical back pain, or widespread conditions like fibromyalgia may not respond well. Additionally, pain relief from RFA is not permanent, as nerves can regenerate over time. Some patients may require repeat treatments to maintain long-term relief.

Another limitation is that not all nerves are suitable candidates for ablation. Some nerves play a role in essential functions like muscle movement or sensation, meaning they cannot be safely targeted for ablation. Proper diagnostic testing is crucial to determine whether RFA is the right option for a patient’s condition.

Potential Risks of Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA is considered a low-risk procedure, but like any medical treatment, it carries some potential complications. These include:

Temporary Discomfort – Some patients may experience bruising, soreness, or mild pain at the procedure site, which typically resolves within a few days.
Nerve Regeneration – While pain relief is long-lasting, the treated nerve may regenerate, requiring additional procedures in the future.
Infection or Bleeding – Though rare, infection or bleeding at the injection site can occur, particularly in patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood thinners.
Temporary Weakness or Numbness – Some patients report temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area, which usually resolves over time.
Rare Nerve Damage – In very rare cases, incorrect placement of the needle can cause unintended nerve damage, leading to altered sensation or discomfort.

Most patients tolerate the procedure very well, and complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced specialist.

The Radiofrequency Ablation Process

The RFA procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour. The steps include:

Preparation & Anesthesia – The patient lies comfortably while the treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia.
Needle Placement with Fluoroscopic Guidance – Using X-ray imaging, a small, hollow needle is inserted near the target nerve.
Testing & Confirmation – A mild electrical current is used to confirm that the correct nerve is being targeted before ablation begins.
Radiofrequency Energy Application – A controlled heat pulse is applied to the nerve, disrupting its ability to send pain signals.
Closure & Recovery – The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied. Patients are monitored briefly before going home the same day.

Recovery is typically quick, with most patients resuming light activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Types of Radiofrequency Ablation

There are different types of RFA, depending on the specific pain condition and treatment approach:

Conventional (Thermal) RFA – Uses continuous heat energy to create a lesion on the nerve, stopping pain transmission.
Pulsed RFA – Delivers intermittent pulses of radiofrequency energy at lower temperatures, making it suitable for sensitive nerve areas like those involved in headaches or neuralgia.
Cooled RFA – Uses a cooled electrode to create a larger lesion, often used for sacroiliac joint pain and other deep nerve structures.
Water-Cooled RFA – Uses circulating water to prevent excessive heating, reducing tissue damage while still effectively blocking pain signals.

Each technique is customized based on the patient’s pain condition, ensuring optimal results and long-term relief.

Types of Vertebral Compression Fractures Treated with Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:

Wedge fractures: The front of the vertebra collapses, creating a wedge-like shape and leading to kyphosis (hunchback posture).
Biconcave fractures: The middle of the vertebra collapses, causing the bone to become concave in appearance.
Crush fractures: The entire vertebra collapses uniformly, which can lead to severe instability.

The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.