Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation: What’s the Difference?
Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Basivertebral Ablation: Understanding the Difference
When conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications fail, nerve ablation may be the next step in treating chronic back pain. But not all ablations are the same. At Wisteria Health, we offer both radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and basivertebral nerve ablation (BVNA), depending on the source of your pain.
Each procedure targets a different area of the spine and treats a specific type of pain. This guide will help you understand how RFA and BVNA differ and how we determine which one is right for you.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses controlled heat to disrupt pain signals sent by small nerves near the spinal joints. These nerves are often involved in pain caused by facet joint arthritis or sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction.
RFA is typically used for:
Neck or lower back pain caused by joint inflammation or arthritis
SI joint pain that does not respond to physical therapy
Pain that improves temporarily with diagnostic nerve blocks
Before performing RFA, we use a diagnostic injection to test whether those nerves are contributing to your pain. If the injection provides short-term relief, you may benefit from radiofrequency ablation.
Learn more about how RFA works on our service page
What Is Basivertebral Nerve Ablation?
Basivertebral nerve ablation is used to treat vertebrogenic pain, which originates from the bone itself. This pain often comes from the vertebral endplates, the top and bottom surfaces of the vertebrae that support spinal discs.
BVNA targets the basivertebral nerve, a nerve located inside the vertebral body. This procedure is often considered when:
Back pain is dull, aching, and worsens with sitting or bending
Other causes of pain have been ruled out
Physical therapy, medications, and injections have not worked
While both RFA and BVNA address chronic spine pain, they focus on different structures within the back.
Explore basivertebral nerve ablation in more detail here
Key Differences at a Glance
Type of pain treated
RFA targets pain caused by arthritis in facet or SI joints
BVNA targets bone-related pain from vertebral endplates
Where the nerves are located
RFA targets small nerves outside the spine
BVNA targets a nerve inside the vertebral body
Diagnostic process
RFA requires a trial injection to confirm the pain source
BVNA does not usually require a diagnostic injection
Procedure goal
RFA reduces pain by treating joint-based nerve signals
BVNA reduces pain by interrupting signals from damaged bone
Choosing the Right Treatment
Every patient's pain is unique. At Wisteria Health, we start with a detailed evaluation that includes a physical exam, a review of your history, and any relevant imaging or diagnostic tests already available.
If your pain improves with a diagnostic block, you may benefit from RFA. If you have persistent low back pain that does not respond to movement-based therapy and is not joint-related, BVNA might be the more appropriate option.
Schedule a consultation to learn which approach fits your specific diagnosis and lifestyle.
Why Wisteria Health?
Our providers are experienced in both RFA and BVNA. We offer:
Safe, outpatient image-guided procedures
Individualized treatment planning
Collaboration with your primary care or referring provider
A focus on non-surgical solutions for chronic pain
We’re here to guide you through every option and help you take the next step toward lasting relief.
Let’s Find the Right Approach to Your Pain
Whether you are considering radiofrequency ablation or basivertebral nerve ablation, our team will help you make an informed decision. Let us evaluate your pain source and build a treatment plan that works.
Contact us today to get started. Relief may be closer than you think.
