Chronic pain caused by arthritis and spinal conditions can significantly impact daily life, limiting mobility, disrupting sleep, and reducing overall quality of life. For many patients, traditional treatments such as medication or physical therapy may not provide sufficient relief. At Mosaic Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation, radiofrequency ablation has emerged as an effective, minimally invasive option for patients seeking long-lasting pain relief without surgery.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a specialized pain management procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to target specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. By disrupting these pain signals, radiofrequency ablation can provide extended relief for patients suffering from chronic joint, neck, and back pain.
RFA is commonly used to treat pain caused by arthritis in the spine, facet joint pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and certain nerve-related back and neck conditions. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have not achieved lasting relief from conservative treatments or steroid injections.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, a thin needle is guided to the affected nerve using advanced imaging technology for precision and safety. Once the correct position is confirmed, radiofrequency energy is applied to gently heat the nerve tissue. This process reduces the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain while preserving surrounding structures.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes less than an hour. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a short period of time.
Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is widely used to manage chronic pain conditions, including:
-
Arthritis-related spine pain
-
Facet joint syndrome
-
Chronic lower back pain
-
Neck pain due to cervical spine degeneration
-
Sacroiliac joint pain
Patients with osteoarthritis or degenerative changes in the spine often experience ongoing inflammation and nerve irritation. By targeting the specific nerves involved, radiofrequency ablation offers pain relief that can last significantly longer than injections alone—often several months to over a year.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation
One of the primary advantages of radiofrequency ablation is its ability to provide long-lasting pain relief. Many patients experience reduced pain for six to twelve months or longer, allowing them to participate more fully in daily activities, physical therapy, and exercise programs.
Additional benefits include:
-
Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
-
Reduced reliance on pain medications
-
Short recovery time
-
Improved mobility and function
-
Targeted treatment with minimal impact on surrounding tissue
For patients with arthritis and chronic back pain, these benefits can translate into improved independence and a better overall quality of life.
Who Is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is not a first-line treatment for pain, but it may be an excellent option for patients who have responded positively to diagnostic nerve blocks or temporary injections. At Mosaic Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation, each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation to determine whether radiofrequency ablation is appropriate.
Ideal candidates often include individuals with:
-
Chronic pain lasting longer than three months
-
Confirmed arthritis or facet joint-related pain
-
Limited improvement with conservative therapies
-
Pain localized to specific joints or spinal regions
A personalized treatment plan ensures that radiofrequency ablation is used when it is most likely to provide meaningful, long-term relief.
Serving the Five Towns and Surrounding Communities
Mosaic Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation proudly serves patients from Woodmere, Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Lawrence, Inwood, and the surrounding Five Towns area. Many patients from these communities seek advanced pain management solutions that allow them to remain active and engaged in work, family, and social life without constant discomfort.
Our team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care using the latest interventional pain management techniques. We take the time to educate patients about their condition and treatment options so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic arthritis or back pain is limiting your mobility or preventing you from enjoying daily activities, radiofrequency ablation may be an effective solution. Early evaluation and targeted treatment can help prevent pain from worsening and reduce its impact on your lifestyle.
At Mosaic Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation, we specialize in advanced pain management treatments tailored to each patient’s needs. Contact our office to learn more about radiofrequency ablation and how it may help you achieve long-lasting relief and improved quality of life.