Radiofrequency Ablation Procedures
Radiofrequency ablation procedures provide the most long-lasting treatment available for chronic spinal joint pain. Once the painful joint or joints is/are identified with diagnostic medial branch blocks (see above), then the physician, using X-ray guidance and an equipped needle, is able to create a very small radiofrequency lesion on the pain nerve to the joint(s). This procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes per joint, is completed with local anesthesia, and the benefit lasts 9 months to 2 years.