Targeted Pain Relief with Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation

If you’re living with persistent back or neck pain, especially around the spine, joints, or base of the skull, radiofrequency nerve ablation (RFA) may provide lasting relief. This outpatient, image-guided procedure uses heat to interrupt pain signals at the nerve level, offering significant improvement without the need for major surgery.

At Wisteria Health, we offer RFA for chronic joint-related spine pain, including facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac dysfunction, and post-surgical nerve irritation. We perform this procedure in our Wyncote clinic using advanced imaging and personalized treatment plans to help you regain comfort and function.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation works by applying controlled thermal energy to specific nerve branches that transmit pain signals. Once treated, these nerves temporarily stop relaying pain—resulting in relief that often lasts six months or longer.

RFA is commonly used to treat:

  • Facet joint pain in the neck or lower back

  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction

  • Persistent pain after back surgery not related to vertebral endplates

  • Certain cases of peripheral nerve pain

It’s important to note that RFA is different from Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (BVNA), which targets nerves deep within the vertebral body for a different pain mechanism (vertebrogenic pain). RFA instead focuses on nerves surrounding spinal joints.

Learn more about the differences between RFA and BVNA in our blog post.

How the Procedure Works

The first step is a diagnostic medial branch block, which helps confirm that the targeted nerve is the actual source of pain. If you experience temporary relief from the block, you’re likely a good candidate for RFA.

During the procedure:

  • A thin needle is placed near the targeted nerve using fluoroscopy (live X-ray)

  • A specialized probe delivers radiofrequency energy to heat and deactivate the nerve

  • The process takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of levels treated

You’ll go home the same day, with minimal recovery time.

Explore our other minimally invasive procedures to see how we tailor treatments to your needs.

Recovery and Results

You may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days, but most patients resume light activities within 24–48 hours. Pain relief typically begins within 1–3 weeks and may continue improving over time. Results often last 6–12 months or longer, with repeat treatments available when needed.

To support long-term outcomes, we often pair RFA with physical medicine and rehabilitation, helping you rebuild strength and improve mobility.

Read more from the National Institutes of Health on RFA safety and effectiveness.

Why Choose Wisteria Health?

Our integrated care model ensures patients receive safe, effective, and customized treatment. At Wisteria Health, you benefit from:

  • Fellowship-trained interventional pain specialists

  • Precision using fluoroscopy-guided technology

  • On-site diagnostics and access to advanced therapies

  • A comprehensive referral network of specialists and therapists

  • Compassionate care in a modern, outpatient setting

We work closely with your referring provider, primary care doctor, or spine surgeon to create a unified care plan that supports your goals.

Who Should Consider RFA?

You may benefit from RFA if:

  • You have chronic back or neck pain not controlled by medications or therapy

  • Your diagnostic block provided temporary relief

  • You want to delay or avoid spine surgery

  • You have arthritis-related pain in the facet or SI joints

  • This procedure is best for mechanical, joint-based pain—not for nerve root compression, disc herniation, or vertebrogenic endplate damage.

Not sure what’s causing your pain? Our team will review your imaging and symptoms to help determine the most accurate diagnosis and ideal treatment option.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re searching for radiofrequency nerve ablation near me, Wisteria Health is here to help. Whether you're dealing with arthritis-related back pain or SI joint dysfunction, RFA offers long-term relief through a non-surgical, image-guided approach.

Schedule a consultation or contact our team to see if you’re a candidate.

Explore related topics in our patient blog or visit our specialties page for additional treatments we offer

Our Services

Experience the Wisteria Health Difference

  • Local availability in North Philadelphia and Montgomery County communities, with easy scheduling

  • Experienced providers specializing in nerve and musculoskeletal care

  • On-site diagnostics, image-guided injections, and rehab

  • Personalized, conservative-first treatment plans

  • A team that listens, educates, and puts your comfort first

We help patients get back to doing what they love: typing, driving, writing, and sleeping, without constant wrist pain.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re searching for SI (sacroiliac) joint pain, Wisteria Health is here to help. We focus on effective, non-surgical solutions designed around your goals and lifestyle.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward stronger, pain-free hands.