What Does Radiofrequency Ablation Treat?

During the procedure, a clinician guides a specialised needle near targeted nerve branches and uses controlled heat from a radiofrequency generator to reduce their ability to transmit pain. It is commonly considered for facet joint syndrome and some pain associated with lumbar spondylosis or degenerative disc disease. It is aimed at pain signals, not at rebuilding a disc or correcting spinal alignment.

Lower-back pain may have several sources. Radiofrequency ablation is considered only after a clinical assessment and, in some cases, a facet joint injection or other diagnostic block has shown a relevant pain pattern.

Bring a list of medicines, previous injections, operations, and health conditions. Tell the treating team about blood-thinning medicines, infection, pregnancy, or an implanted device. Ask how you should prepare, whether you need someone to accompany you, and when gentle activity or physiotherapy can restart. Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your team.

Contact the treating service for worsening pain, fever, increasing redness or drainage at the needle site, or new numbness or weakness. Seek urgent care for severe new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or breathing difficulty. These symptoms need prompt assessment rather than routine follow-up.

Which structure is thought to cause my pain? What did my diagnostic block show? What benefits and side effects should I weigh? Is facet joint injection an alternative or a step before ablation? How will movement rehabilitation fit into the plan?