Radiofrequency (RF) Facet Denervation

Radiofrequency (RF) facet denervation, also known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the facet joints, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic back pain and neck pain caused by facet joint arthritis or injury. At Urban Spine and Joint in Jersey City, RF facet denervation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance to precisely target the medial branch nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.

This procedure is recommended for patients with confirmed facet joint pain who have not achieved lasting relief from conservative treatments.

What Is RF Facet Denervation?

Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located along the spine. When these joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause persistent neck or lower back pain. The medial branch nerves supply sensation to these joints.

Radiofrequency facet denervation works by:

  1. Targeting the medial branch nerves
  2. Delivering controlled radiofrequency energy
  3. Creating a small thermal lesion
  4. Interrupting pain signal transmission

Because the nerve’s ability to transmit pain is disrupted, patients often experience significant and longer-lasting relief compared to steroid injections alone.

Conditions Treated

Radiofrequency facet denervation is effective for:

  1. Chronic low back pain due to lumbar facet arthritis
  2. Chronic neck pain from cervical facet joints
  3. Facet joint syndrome
  4. Degenerative spine conditions
  5. Pain following spine injury, including motor vehicle accidents
  6. Recurrent pain after prior spine procedures

This procedure is most effective when diagnostic medial branch blocks have confirmed the facet joints as the source of pain.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for RF facet denervation if you:

  1. Have chronic back or neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks
  2. Have confirmed facet joint pain through diagnostic nerve blocks
  3. Have degenerative arthritis of the spine
  4. Have not improved with physical therapy or medications
  5. Experience pain that worsens with spinal extension or rotation

Patients with active infections, uncontrolled bleeding disorders, or certain medical contraindications may not qualify for the procedure.

Table of Contents

Urban Spine and Joint

How the Procedure Is Performed

RF facet denervation is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less than one hour.

The procedure includes:

  1. A comprehensive evaluation to confirm facet-mediated pain
  2. Local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort
  3. Fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to position a specialized needle near the medial branch nerve
  4. Sensory and motor testing to confirm correct placement
  5. Delivery of radiofrequency energy to deactivate the targeted nerve

Patients are monitored briefly and typically return home the same day.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Facet Denervation

  • Longer-lasting pain relief compared to steroid injections
  • Minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment
  • Reduced reliance on oral pain medications
  • Improved mobility and daily function
  • Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime

Begin your journey to recovery.

Reach out to our specialists to schedule an initial consultation. We’ll carefully review your symptoms and match you with the right expert for your specific condition.

CLINIC LOCATION

100 Town Square Place, Suite 405
Jersey City, NJ 07310

DIRECT CONTACT

(908) 665-1938
infor@urbanspinejoint.com

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