Neck and back pain affect millions, turning routine tasks like driving, working at a desk, or enjoying a weekend hike into sources of dread. Whether stemming from facet joint arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or injury, this persistent discomfort can steal your quality of life. At Integrity Pain and Wellness, we're empowering patients with radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—a targeted, minimally invasive technique that delivers lasting relief by interrupting pain signals directly from their origin, often without the need for ongoing medications or surgery.
As a holistic wellness practice excelling in advanced pain interventions, we offer RFA for both cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) regions to those who've tried physical therapy, injections, or meds without success. In this article, we'll explain how RFA works, its robust evidence for effective pain management, and why our team provides it with unmatched expertise and accessibility. If chronic neck or back pain is limiting you, read on to learn how RFA can restore your freedom.
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as neurotomy, uses radiofrequency energy to heat a small area of nerve tissue, creating a lesion that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. For neck and back pain, it specifically targets the medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints—small stabilizing structures in the spine that commonly become inflamed or arthritic.
The procedure begins with a diagnostic nerve block to confirm the pain source; if relief is achieved, RFA follows. Under local anesthesia and real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a thin needle delivers the energy precisely. It's outpatient, taking 30-60 minutes per session, with most patients resuming normal activities within a day. Options like cooled RFA expand the treatment zone for broader coverage, while pulsed RFA offers a gentler alternative with less tissue disruption.
Decades of research affirm RFA's value in managing chronic neck and back pain, providing relief that can last 6-24 months before potential repeat treatment. In lumbar cases, up to 87% of patients achieve at least 60% pain reduction at 12 months, with 60% experiencing 90% relief. For cervical facet-mediated neck pain, over 65% of patients see significant decreases in pain and disability at three months, with level II evidence supporting long-term efficacy. Cooled RFA has shown particular promise for refractory neck pain, offering minimally invasive, durable results.
Studies also highlight RFA's edge over alternatives: It's more effective than exercise alone for facet joint pain and reduces opioid needs while improving function in both cervical and lumbar regions. Retrospective data confirms its safety and repeatability for facet arthropathy, with low complication rates like temporary soreness.
Excellence defines our approach. Our board-certified pain physicians, trained at top-tier programs like Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic, use state-of-the-art equipment for precise, patient-centered care—integrating RFA seamlessly with therapies like physical therapy or PRP for comprehensive results.
What elevates us:
"Years of nagging neck pain from desk work had me popping pills daily—RFA at Integrity Pain and Wellness changed that. I'm back to yoga without wincing," says office professional Tom K.
Neck and back pain shouldn't anchor you down. Radiofrequency ablation at Integrity Pain and Wellness targets the chaos at its core, paving the way for pain-free movement and vitality.
Eager for enduring ease? Call (480) 325-9600 or book online now. Your spine's story of strength starts here.
