Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation for Lumbar Pain

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a non-surgical treatment that focuses high levels of heat on afflicted tissues in the body to provide substantial relief. The procedure for lumbar pain typically damages pain signals transmitted through the spinal cord to the brain.

Ideal candidates for nerve ablation include patients with chronic lumbar pain who have not responded to other treatment methods, such as regenerative medicine or physical therapy, or are looking for a non-drug alternative. However, the treatment is not ideal for those patients who are pregnant, have bleeding problems, or with an infection.

Studies have shown that more than 70% of patients treated with radiofrequency nerve ablation experience relief. Besides helping relieve pain, radiofrequency nerve ablation improves function and minimizes the number of pain medications taken.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation for lumbar pain involves inserting a needle-like probe at the lower back or into the targeted nerve causing pain. An electrode is inserted, and waves are transmitted from the probe into the surrounding nerve tissues.

Through this, the nearby cells are damaged, preventing the pain signal from transmitting to the brain and causing relief. Using imaging techniques such as ultrasound enables a health provider to place the probe's tip at the desired location.

The procedure usually lasts 15 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of treatment sessions needed to provide results. The procedure is minimally invasive, and patients can resume their daily activities after a day or two of rest.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is a highly effective pain management treatment that has provided patients with significant relief. However, the amount of nerve pain relief varies with the response to diagnostic facet or medial branch block injections. In some patients, the positive comfort felt from radiofrequency nerve ablation has been reported to last anywhere from 6-12 months, up to a few years.