What to expect from radiofrequency ablation for degenerative disc disease

Radiofrequency ablation uses a fine probe to deliver controlled heat to selected nerves carrying pain signals from a spinal joint or nearby structure. The clinician first reviews your symptoms and imaging, then may use a local anaesthetic and imaging guidance to position the probe accurately. You may feel pressure, brief tingling or warmth while the area is tested.

The procedure targets pain signalling; it does not rebuild a degenerated disc. Relief may take time to become clear, and numbness or tenderness near the treatment area can occur temporarily.

Tell the team about blood-thinning medicines, infection, allergies, pregnancy, and medical conditions that affect sedation or healing. Follow instructions about eating, drinking and medicines, and arrange a ride home if sedation is planned.

Keep the small dressing clean and follow the activity instructions given to you. Gentle walking is often introduced before heavier lifting, bending or exercise. A rehabilitation plan can help you build trunk strength and movement confidence while the treated area settles.

Call the treating team for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or pain that is becoming more severe. Seek urgent help for new or worsening leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or a severe headache after the procedure.

Ask which pain source is being targeted, whether diagnostic injections were useful, how sedation changes preparation, which activities to avoid, and how rehabilitation will be adjusted if symptoms persist.