Does a pain management perform radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses carefully directed heat to reduce pain signals from a small nerve or nerve branch. It is considered only after a clinical assessment identifies a plausible pain generator. The specialist reviews your symptoms, examination findings, scans when relevant, previous treatments, medicines, and health conditions. A diagnostic nerve block may help test whether the suspected nerve is contributing to pain, but the decision depends on your individual assessment.

The procedure is usually image-guided. You remain monitored while the clinician positions a needle near the intended nerve, tests its location, and applies radiofrequency energy. It may be used for selected facet-joint pain or other focal pain patterns; it is not suitable for every back, neck, joint, or nerve problem.

Ask the clinic how to take your usual medicines, whether you need to pause anything that affects bleeding, and whether you need an escort home. Tell the team about pregnancy, allergies, infection, diabetes, implanted electrical devices, and blood-thinning medicines. Arrange comfortable transport if sedation is planned, and follow the clinic’s food and drink instructions. Afterward, follow activity guidance and contact the team if pain, weakness, or numbness is unexpected or worsening.

Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, severe or progressive weakness, numbness around the groin, trouble breathing, fainting, or a rapidly worsening allergic reaction. Contact the treating service promptly for fever, spreading redness, drainage, severe headache, or increasing pain at the procedure site.

Ask which nerve is being targeted, what finding supports that choice, whether a diagnostic block is recommended, what alternatives are available, how medicines should be managed, and which symptoms after the procedure need immediate attention.