Which specialist performs radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat delivered through a needle to interrupt pain signals from selected nerves. The pain physician reviews your history, examination, scans, and response to earlier diagnostic procedures when relevant. Fluoroscopy or another imaging method may help guide the needle. This treatment is aimed at a specific pain pathway, not every cause of back, neck, or joint pain, so careful diagnosis matters.

Tell the clinic about blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, allergies, infection, pregnancy, and implanted electrical devices. Arrange transport if sedation is planned, and ask when normal medicines, food, and activity should be resumed. Discuss the expected area of numbness, the role of exercise afterward, and what follow-up will assess. A pain-management specialist can also explain alternatives if the target nerve is uncertain.

Contact the treating service promptly for fever, worsening redness or drainage, severe uncontrolled pain, new leg or arm weakness, spreading numbness, or difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function. Sudden major weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency assessment rather than waiting for routine follow-up.

Ask which nerve is being targeted, how the diagnosis was established, whether imaging will guide the procedure, what medicines need adjustment, how sedation affects recovery, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent call.