How does radiofrequency ablation work?

The clinician uses imaging and a careful examination to identify nerves associated with spinal or facet-joint pain. After numbing the skin, a thin probe is positioned near the nerve. Test stimulation may help confirm the location before the radiofrequency generator delivers energy. The aim is to interrupt pain transmission from a small sensory nerve; it does not repair a worn disc or correct every source of back pain. It may be considered in selected cases of facet joint syndrome, lumbar spondylosis, or degenerative disc disease, often after diagnostic assessment.

Give the clinic a full list of medicines, allergies, bleeding problems, and relevant illnesses. Follow instructions about eating, medicines, transport, and activity. Soreness or altered sensation near the treatment area can occur for a short time, so use only the advised medicines and build activity gradually. Keep the puncture sites clean and attend follow-up to review pain, movement, and function. A facet joint injection may be discussed as a diagnostic or treatment alternative in some situations.

Contact the treating team for increasing redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or new numbness. Seek urgent care for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, severe headache after the procedure, chest pain, or breathing difficulty. A fall or rapidly changing neurological symptom should be assessed promptly.

Ask which nerve is being targeted, how its role was confirmed, what benefit and temporary effects to expect, how medicines should be managed, and what symptoms require urgent help.