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The degree of pain relief varies from patient to patient. This depends on the cause and location of the pain. Pain relief from RFA can last from 6 to 12 months, or many years.

RFA is a proven safe and effective pain management technique. While rare, complications do occur, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. The side effects of the procedure include swelling and bruising at the site of treatment, but this usually goes away in 2-5 days.

To prepare for radiofrequency ablation, you should take a few precautions. These are:

. If you have diabetes and must take insulin, you will need to adjust the dose on the day of the procedure. Be sure to consult with your primary care doctor regarding the dose.
. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure, but you may take sips of water with necessary medications.
. Bring someone with you to drive you home after the RFA procedure, and do not drive for at least 24 hours afterwards.

When you arrive at the surgical center, a nurse will place an IV catheter in your arm to administer a mild sedative. Your back will be cleaned, and the doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the skin and deeper tissues.

Using x-ray guidance, the doctor will insert a needle into the necessary area. A microelectrode is inserted to begin the stimulation process, and the doctor will ask you if you feel a tingling sensation. Once needle and electrode placement are verified, the doctor uses RF current onto the tissue, to destroy a portion of the nerves.

Following the radiofrequency ablation procedure, you will stay in a recovery room so a nurse can monitor your condition. The nurse will assess your vital signs and give you something to eat/drink. You will be given discharge instructions before being released home. Restrictions include avoiding strenuous activities for 24 hours, avoiding bathing for 2 days, and no driving for 24 hours. You may resume a regular diet and are permitted to shower. The bandage can be removed after 12 hours.

Radiofrequency ablation (also called radiofrequency neurotomy or lesioning) has many benefits. These include:

. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
. It offers long-term pain relief.
. It can be performed on an outpatient basis.
. It requires only a local anesthetic.
. It has a low complication rate.

According to a recent study, the success rate of RFA was found to be 85% for lumbar facet joint pain. The procedure was successful for all patients, with exception of one study participant. The mean duration of pain relief was 9 months.