Does radiofrequency ablation treat facet joint syndrome?

Facet joints guide movement between the bones of the spine and can become painful or irritated. Small medial branch nerves carry signals from these joints. During radiofrequency ablation, a clinician places a probe near the relevant nerves using imaging and applies controlled heat. The aim is to reduce pain signalling, not to replace the joint or correct every spinal change. Relief is therefore most plausible when the facet joints have been identified as the pain source.

Your clinician may review pain during extension, twisting, standing, and other activities, then examine your back and legs. Diagnostic medial branch blocks may be used to check whether numbing these nerves changes your pain. Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, infection, allergies, pregnancy, and implanted electrical devices. If treatment goes ahead, ask about aftercare and a gradual exercise plan to improve strength and movement.

Before treatment, urgent assessment is needed for new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the saddle area, or progressive leg weakness. After treatment, contact the clinic promptly for fever, increasing redness or drainage, severe new weakness, or pain that worsens sharply.

How confident are we that my facet joints cause the pain? What did any diagnostic block show? How will we combine ablation with rehabilitation and monitor the result?