Lower Back Pain Relief: What to Expect During and After Radiofrequency Ablation

Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting 20-30% of American adults at any given time. Although many people with chronic lower back pain worry that surgery is the only way to find relief, the good news is that minimally invasive options, such as radiofrequency ablation, can offer lasting results.

At Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC, in Sarasota, Florida, our team of interventional pain management experts often uses radiofrequency ablation to treat lower back pain and prevent it from worsening. 

Here, we explain what radiofrequency ablation is, what to expect during and after treatment, and how to tell if you might benefit.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sometimes called radiofrequency neurotomy, is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that uses radio waves to target and heat specific areas of nerve tissue. The heat destroys the targeted nerves, preventing them from sending pain signals to your brain.

You may be a candidate for RFA if you have chronic lower back pain caused by arthritis, nerve compression, or an injury. This is especially true if you respond well to nerve blocks but continue to experience discomfort.

What to expect during the procedure

RFA can take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours, depending on the size and location of the area treated.

When you arrive at our office, you change into a gown and lie on an exam table. Then, we administer a local anesthetic (or twilight anesthesia, if you have anxiety) and wait for the medication to take effect.

Once the anesthetic is working, our team uses guided imaging, such as fluoroscopy, to locate the nerve or group of nerves causing your back pain. 

Then, we insert a small, hollow needle into the targeted area and run an electrode through it. After the electrode is positioned, it emits radio waves that heat up the nerve, preventing it from sending signals to your brain. Nearby nerves remain unharmed.

What to expect after radiofrequency ablation

After RFA is complete, we remove the electrode and provide recovery instructions. Most people can return to work and light activities within 24 hours of the procedure, but it’s important to rest immediately afterward. 

If your job involves heavy lifting or physical labor, you may need more time off. Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects for at least a week.

It’s normal to experience mild redness, swelling, and bruising at the insertion site. Some people also experience numbness and tingling. However, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your symptoms make it difficult to move or complete tasks.

Don’t worry if your lower back pain returns in the days after RFA. It takes a while for your treated nerves to fully “shut down,” and you may notice some residual pain for several days or weeks. 

Recovery timeline and lasting results

The time it takes for RFA to work depends on several factors, including the pain’s cause, location, and severity. Most people notice a significant improvement in their symptoms within 2-3 weeks, but it may take longer.

In addition, it’s important to remember that RFA doesn’t provide permanent pain relief. Nerves grow back slowly, and most people’s symptoms return within 6-12 months. Many people choose to have repeat treatments when their pain comes back.

To help keep pain to a minimum, we typically recommend RFA alongside other treatments, including physical therapy, stretching, and postural changes.

Schedule radiofrequency ablation

If you’re tired of dealing with lower back pain, schedule a radiofrequency ablation consultation by calling Sunshine Spine and Pain Specialists, PLLC. RFA is safe, well-tolerated, and provides an effective treatment option for lower back pain. We look forward to evaluating you and making personalized recommendations for lasting relief.