Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation therapy is commonly used to treat facet joint pain after a successful facet joint block. When ablation therapy is used to treat the facet joint, the procedure is called facet rhizotomy or facet denervation. Facet denervation therapy causes destruction of the nerve to the facet joint. In general, nerve destruction is permanent but for some people the procedure needs to be repeated if the nerve regenerates. Occasionally, pulsed radiofrequency is used to treat peripheral nerve pain. Pulsed radiofrequency does not result in nerve destruction but temporarily stuns the nerve to provide relief.