Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
If your doctor determines that facet joints in your neck (cervical spine) or your low back (lumbar spine) are causing neck pain, headache, or upper spine pain, lower spine pain, buttock, thigh, or leg pain, your doctor may recommend a medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for long-term pain relief. This diagnosis is usually made by getting benefit from a medial branch block.
The goal of an RFA is to block the medial branch nerves from sending pain signals from the cervical or lumbar facet joints to the brain. If the nerves’ pain signals are blocked, your pain may be reduced.
Overview of the RFA procedure
Here’s what to expect during an RFA procedure:
- You will lie down on the table.
- The injection area is cleaned and numbed before the injection.
- Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your physician will insert and advance needles to the medial branch nerves. These needles have tips that allow heat to be transferred to the medial branch nerves.
- Your doctor may then do some testing during which you may feel some twitching of the muscles in your back or neck.
- Next, your doctor will inject a small amount of numbing medication near the nerve to make the procedure more comfortable for you.
- Next, your doctor will heat the medial branch nerves at a specific temperature for a short period of time so that the nerve cannot send the pain signal any longer.
- Your doctor will repeat the process with other locations around the nerve as needed.
OrthoNC offers comprehensive spine expertise
OrthoNC’s spine specialists diagnose spine problems and design custom treatment plans built on a conservative, non-surgical approach. Most patients find relief through treatments including guided injections, specialized physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, and medication. When conservative care does not relieve symptoms, our highly skilled surgeon offers proven, evidence-based surgical options. Together with you, we will determine the right course of action.
Start your journey to a healthy spine. Find your spine expert, make an appointment online, or call us at (919) 562-9410 to schedule a spine consultation.