Procedure Description

When a patient isn’t experiencing relief from other procedures, RFA is used to treat the nerve pain. The patient will lie on their stomach with their back exposed. The problem area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and a needle is guided to the area using a fluoroscope. A microelectrode, producing a small electrical current, is inserted through the needle in order to locate the problem area. Once the area is confirmed, radiofrequency waves are produced in order to heat up and effectively destroy the target nerve. The needle and electrode are removed, and the patient usually feels some form of immediate relief.