How long does radiofrequency ablation take to work for facet joint syndrome?

The procedure uses heat to interrupt pain signals from selected nerves near the facet joints. The treated area can feel sore, bruised or temporarily more sensitive before it calms. Early numbness from local anaesthetic is not the same as lasting benefit. Improvement is often judged by easier standing, walking, turning or sleeping, rather than by one pain score.

The response depends on whether the facet joints are a main source of pain, the number and location of nerves treated, and how your back responds during recovery. Radiofrequency ablation does not repair every cause of back pain.

Follow the discharge instructions about activity, wound care and medicines. Keep the injection sites clean and avoid strenuous loading until your clinician allows it. Gentle walking is commonly used to prevent stiffness, followed by a gradual return to normal movement. Record pain, sleep and useful activities over several days so your follow-up reflects function as well as symptoms.

Do not judge the final result immediately after the procedure. Contact the treating team if you are unsure whether a new symptom is expected or whether your planned activity level is appropriate.

Seek prompt medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, drainage or fever around the procedure site, severe pain that is worsening, or new weakness or numbness in a leg. Get urgent help for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals, or rapidly worsening weakness.

Ask which symptoms should improve first, when your review is planned, what activity limits apply, and how the result will be assessed if pain remains. You can also ask whether another source of pain needs separate evaluation.