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Radiofrequency Ablations

James A. Nassiri, MD, MA

Pain Management Specialist & Anesthesiologist located in Beverly Hills, CA

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Beverly Hills, Rancho Cucamonga & Newport Beach, CA

If chronic neck, back, joint, or nerve pain is interfering with your daily life, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) may provide long-lasting relief without the need for surgery. At Westside Pain Specialists, our experienced pain management specialists and anesthesiologists offer advanced Radiofrequency Ablation procedures to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy.

We proudly serve patients throughout Beverly Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Newport Beach, and surrounding Southern California communities.

To schedule a consultation, call (310) 273-2000 or visit https://www.westsidepainspecialists.com/schedule.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), sometimes referred to as radiofrequency neurotomy or radiofrequency rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive pain management procedure used to treat chronic pain by disrupting pain signals from targeted nerves.

During the procedure, a specialized needle delivers controlled radiofrequency energy to a specific nerve. This heat temporarily prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain, helping reduce discomfort for an extended period.

RFA is commonly used for patients who have experienced significant pain relief from diagnostic nerve block injections and are seeking a longer-lasting treatment option.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

The nervous system sends pain signals from injured or inflamed areas of the body to the brain. In some chronic pain conditions, these signals continue even after tissues have healed.

Radiofrequency Ablation works by:

  • Identifying the nerve responsible for transmitting pain
  • Applying controlled heat to the targeted nerve
  • Interrupting pain signal transmission
  • Reducing chronic pain symptoms
  • Improving function and mobility

Because the treatment focuses on the source of pain, many patients experience meaningful and lasting relief.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

RFA is commonly used to treat several chronic pain conditions, including:

Facet Joint Arthritis

Facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae of the spine. Arthritis and degeneration of these joints can lead to chronic neck and back pain.

Chronic Neck Pain

Patients with cervical facet joint pain may benefit from radiofrequency ablation to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

Chronic Back Pain

Lumbar facet joint pain is one of the most common reasons patients undergo RFA treatment.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

Pain originating from the sacroiliac joints may respond well to targeted nerve ablation procedures.

Arthritis-Related Joint Pain

RFA may be used to help manage chronic pain associated with certain arthritic conditions.

Peripheral Nerve Pain

In some cases, RFA can be used to target peripheral nerves contributing to chronic pain symptoms.

What to Expect During an RFA Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation is typically performed on an outpatient basis and generally takes less than an hour to complete.

During the procedure:

  1. The treatment area is cleaned and prepared.
  2. Local anesthetic is administered.
  3. Imaging guidance is used to accurately position the treatment needle.
  4. Radiofrequency energy is applied to the targeted nerve.
  5. Patients are monitored briefly before being discharged home.

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, depending on the area treated and individual recovery.

How Long Does Radiofrequency Ablation Last?

While results vary, many patients experience pain relief lasting anywhere from 6 months to 18 months or longer.

Because nerves can regenerate over time, symptoms may eventually return. If necessary, the procedure can often be repeated.

The duration of relief depends on factors such as:

  • The condition being treated
  • The specific nerve targeted
  • Overall health
  • Activity level

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation offers several advantages for patients seeking non-surgical pain relief:

  • Long-lasting pain reduction
  • Minimally invasive treatment
  • No major surgery required
  • Reduced dependence on pain medications
  • Improved mobility and function
  • Quick recovery time
  • Outpatient procedure
  • Enhanced quality of life

Many patients are able to resume normal activities with significantly less pain following treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

You may be a candidate for RFA if you:

  • Experience chronic neck or back pain
  • Have facet joint pain or arthritis
  • Have responded positively to diagnostic nerve blocks
  • Have not achieved sufficient relief with conservative treatments
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery
  • Are seeking longer-lasting pain relief

A consultation with our pain management specialists can help determine whether RFA is appropriate for your condition.

Why Choose Westside Pain Specialists?

At Westside Pain Specialists, our board-certified pain management specialists and anesthesiologists utilize the latest interventional pain management techniques to help patients achieve lasting relief from chronic pain.

We develop personalized treatment plans based on each patient's diagnosis, symptoms, and goals while utilizing advanced imaging guidance and minimally invasive procedures to maximize safety and effectiveness.

Patients throughout Beverly Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Newport Beach, and surrounding Southern California communities trust our team for expert pain management care.

Schedule a Radiofrequency Ablation Consultation Today

If chronic pain is limiting your quality of life, Radiofrequency Ablation may provide the relief you've been looking for.

Call (310) 273-2000 or schedule an appointment online at https://www.westsidepainspecialists.com/schedule to learn whether Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you.