Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Neck Pain: What to Expect

Neck pain can affect up to 20% of people, making it a pretty common affliction. 

One reason neck pain is so widespread is that it has many causes. Pain in your neck can be from degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, a pinched nerve, a herniated disk, a muscle strain, or whiplash — and that’s only a partial list. 

You may find that your neck pain goes away within a few weeks without treatment, which is acute neck pain. However, for others, chronic neck pain can continue for months and months, even with treatment.

Persistent neck pain taxes your physical and mental health. Don Enty, MD, and our Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine team in Colleyville, Texas, are passionate about effective pain management. 

Radiofrequency ablation is a great pain management tool for chronic neck pain. This month’s blog explains this treatment and how it can help reduce neck pain. 

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment procedure mainly used for chronic pain management and is especially helpful for chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments.

Small sensory nerves run along your neck, sending pain signals to your brain. RFA uses small needles to send thermal energy to the affected nerves, and the heat effectively cuts off communication between your nerves and your brain. 

While RFA doesn’t address the source of the pain, it reduces the pain signals sent out. Reports have shown that 70% of people who undergo RFA experience reduced pain for 6-12 months, with some even getting several years of pain relief. 

What to expect during RFA

When you come in for RFA, you start by changing into a hospital gown before we administer local anesthesia and a mild sedative to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You’re awake during RFA, but you don’t feel anything. 

Next, we use a special kind of X-ray called a fluoroscopy to precisely place a special needle. The needle delivers thermal energy to the affected nerve so the pain signals can no longer reach your brain. 

We repeat the same process for multiple nerves if needed. 

What happens after RFA?

Recovery from RFA is pretty minimal. Afterward, you need someone to drive you home, and you may feel some soreness around the treatment site for a few days. Dr. Enty may also recommend physical therapy to ensure your neck stays strong and flexible. 

Some people get immediate pain relief from RFA; however, in other cases, it can take several days to several weeks to get the desired effect. It’s also possible for the treated nerve to grow back, in which case you may need a repeat session of RFA.

Learn more about RFA

If you’re dealing with chronic neck pain and would like to be considered for RFA, call our office or book online today to schedule an appointment with our Genesis Pain and Regenerative Medicine team.