Pain Management & Interventional Spine
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated by radio waves to calm nerves that carry chronic back, neck, or knee pain. Relief often lasts six months to two years and the procedure itself takes under an hour.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
30 to 60 minutes
Anesthesia
Local with light sedation
Recovery
About 1 to 2 hours
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
Radiofrequency ablation applies controlled heat to the small medial branch nerves that carry pain from arthritic spinal joints, or to the genicular nerves of the knee.
Those nerves carry sensation only, not strength, so interrupting them relieves pain without weakening you.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Good but temporary relief from diagnostic nerve blocks
- Chronic facet-mediated neck or back pain
- Knee osteoarthritis pain not ready for surgery
- Desire for longer relief than injections provide
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Needle placement
Insulated probes are positioned along the target nerves under fluoroscopy and tested with gentle stimulation.
Lesioning
Each site is heated for 60 to 90 seconds, creating a precise lesion that interrupts pain transmission.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Mild soreness for a week is common as the treated area settles.
Relief usually begins in two to three weeks and lasts six months to two years.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Do the nerves grow back?
Yes, over time, which is why relief is measured in months to years. The procedure can be repeated.
Will I lose strength?
No. Only sensory branches are treated.
Is radiofrequency ablation done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
