Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Procedure and Recovery

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed at a doctor’s office or a hospital. Patients usually return home the same day.

A few precautions may be followed before and after the treatment procedure. It is advised to discuss the initial preparations in detail with a doctor since every case may be different.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA may or may not be performed under mild sedation. If sedation is used, the patient is usually kept awake and conscious to an extent to be able to describe what they feel during the stimulation and lesioning of the nerve. RFA involves the following steps:

• The patient lies on his/her stomach on a procedure table. If sedation is used, an intravenous (IV) line is started so that relaxation medicine (sedation) can be given.
• The skin over the treatment area (neck, mid-back, or low back) is well cleaned to minimize the risk of infection.
• The physician numbs a small area of skin by injecting a numbing medicine (anesthetic) in the region of the RFA injection site.

• The physician uses x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct the RFA needle toward the medial or lateral branch nerves.
  • Medial branch nerves transmit pain from the facet joint(s). Each facet joint is connected to 2 medial branch nerves that carry pain signals away from the spine to the brain.
  • Lateral branch nerves transmit pain signals from the sacroiliac joint(s) between the sacrum and ilium in the pelvis to the brain.
• Once the needle tip is placed accurately, an active electrode is inserted through the needle and a small amount of electrical current is carefully passed next to the target nerve and a safe distance from other nerves. This current may briefly recreate the painful symptoms that the patient usually experiences.
• Once the target nerve is confirmed, a heat lesion is created on the nerve using the preferred method (conventional, pulsed, or water-cooled radiofrequency) of ablation.
• This process may be repeated for additional nerves.

The entire procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. It is advised to have someone drive the patient home after the procedure.

Radiofrequency Ablation Recovery

Immediately after the RFA, the patient is shifted to a recovery room for 15 minutes to an hour (if sedation was used) where his/her vital signs are continuously monitored. Depending on the area treated, a superficial burning pain with hypersensitivity, similar to a sunburn feeling may be experienced. Sometimes a slight numbness of the skin over the same area may also be experienced.

A few precautions and tips for the first day or two after RFA are:

• An ice pack may be used intermittently to numb the pain and reduce swelling on the injection site. Ice packs must be used for 15 to 20 minutes at a time with a break of at least two hours in between to avoid skin injury. Heat packs are usually not advised on the injection site after RFA.

  Watch Video: How to Make 5 Quick and Easy Ice Packs

• Warm showers are preferred over baths for 1 to 2 days after the RFA procedure.

Pain relief after RFA is typically experienced 1 to 3 weeks after the injection.¹Streitberger K, Müller T, Eichenberger U, Trelle S, Curatolo M. Factors determining the success of radiofrequency denervation in lumbar facet joint pain: a prospective study. Eur Spine J. 2011;20(12):2160–2165. doi:10.1007/s00586-011-1891-6 It is advised to rest for several days before returning to normal activities. Patients may engage in regular activities but should let pain levels be their guide for the first few days. Since many patients have been de-conditioned over many months or years as a result of their pain, physicians might prescribe a guided physical therapy regimen to allow them to increase their strength and activity tolerance in a safe manner.

See Physical Therapy for Neck Pain Relief and Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain Relief

The radiofrequency ablation treatment is a relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of RFA with a doctor prior to this treatment.