What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is an advanced interventional pain management procedure that uses controlled heat energy generated by radiofrequency waves to deactivate the small nerve branches responsible for transmitting chronic pain signals to the brain.
Rather than simply masking pain with medications or providing temporary relief through injections, RFA addresses the neural pathway responsible for your pain interrupting the signal at its source and providing relief that can last significantly longer than conventional treatments.
The procedure is minimally invasive requiring only a small needle insertion under local anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis with no surgery, no hospital stay, and minimal recovery time.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
Understanding the mechanism of RFA helps patients appreciate why it’s so effective for chronic pain conditions.
During the procedure, Dr. Babus uses real-time fluoroscopic imaging to guide a thin, specially designed needle called a radiofrequency cannula to the precise location of the targeted nerve. Once correct positioning is confirmed both by imaging and by electrical stimulation testing radiofrequency energy is delivered through the tip of the needle.
This energy creates a controlled area of heat around the needle tip typically 80 90°C which disrupts the nerve’s ability to conduct pain signals. The nerve is not destroyed it’s deactivated. The surrounding bone, muscle, and other structures are left completely intact.
The full process:
- Diagnostic confirmation: prior medial branch blocks or nerve blocks confirm the specific nerve(s) responsible for your pain before RFA is performed
- Fluoroscopic needle placement : real-time X-ray imaging guides precise needle positioning at the target nerve
- Sensory & motor stimulation testing : electrical testing confirms correct placement before energy is delivered
- Radiofrequency energy application: controlled heat deactivates the targeted nerve
- Recovery : patients are monitored briefly and discharged the same day
- Progressive relief: pain reduction develops gradually over 1–3 weeks as the nerve stops conducting pain signals
Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation
At Vascura Pain & Vein Clinic, RFA is used to treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions across all three New Jersey locations all confirmed by prior diagnostic nerve blocks before ablation is performed.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and can become painful due to injury, arthritis, or abnormal motion. RFA targets the nerves around the SI joint to relieve pain that often worsens with walking, sitting, or changing positions.
Spinal arthritis often causes chronic inflammation, reduced flexibility, and ongoing discomfort. By treating the nerves surrounding affected joints, radiofrequency ablation helps reduce pain levels while allowing patients to remain active without major surgery.
Lumbar facet joints support spinal movement, but degeneration or injury can cause ongoing lower back pain, especially with standing or twisting movements. RFA can block pain signals from these joints, improving daily comfort and mobility.
Wear and tear of the cervical facet joints can lead to inflammation and persistent neck stiffness or pain that may radiate into the shoulders. RFA helps by targeting the nerves responsible for sending these pain signals, offering long-lasting relief when medications or therapy are no longer effective.