Radiofrequency Ablations

Radiofrequency Ablations

In Radiofrequency (rhizotomy) ablations procedure, a heat lesion is created on certain nerves with the goal of interrupting the pain signals to the brain, thus eliminating pain. The terms radiofrequency ablation and radiofrequency neurotomy are used interchangeably. Both terms refer to a procedure that destroys the functionality of the nerve using radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, thereby decreasing pain signals from that specific area.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy or rhizotomy, is one of many pain reducing procedures. It is a non-surgical procedure in which radiofrequency waves are delivered to certain nerves in order to interrupt pain signals to the brain. Sensory nerves, not motor nerves, are targeted. RFA is usually used to treat pain from the facet joints, which can contribute to pain in the neck or lower back, as well as the sacroiliac joints, which can contribute to low back pain. Pain from neck facet joints can radiate to the head, neck, shoulders, shoulder blades and arms.