Radiofrequency Ablation Phoenix, AZ

Pain relief lasts anywhere from 6 to 24 months. Over time the treated nerves can gradually regenerate, and symptoms may return more slowly and with less intensity than before. Many people find the extended window allows them to stay more active and benefit from other supportive care during that period.

Some soreness or a deep ache around the treatment site is common at first and usually improves within several days. The original pain may linger while the nerves adjust, which is a normal part of the process rather than a sign it did not work. Most people begin noticing easier movement and better function within one to three weeks, with changes happening gradually rather than all at once.

Injections often focus on reducing inflammation around irritated areas, which can bring relief that fades once the medication wears off. Radiofrequency neuroablation targets the nerves themselves that carry pain signals, creating a longer interruption so many patients experience relief measured in months rather than weeks. It is usually considered after injections have shown some benefit but not enough staying power.

Not necessarily everything, but we generally recommend radiofrequency neuroablation when more conservative steps and shorter-acting injections have not provided lasting improvement. A thorough evaluation of your history and previous responses helps us decide if this is the right next step or if other options in our practice would serve you better first.

RFA uses radiofrequency energy to interrupt nerve function. When this is performed on a cervical medial branch nerve, the nerve can no longer send pain signals to the injured facet joint.

A local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin. All injections at Premier Pain Management are performed by our board-certified pain specialists using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure safety and efficiency of the procedures. When the RFA is first placed, muscle twitching may provoke some of your pain. Once the needle is properly placed, the nerve will be numbed. Radiofrequency energy will then be used to diffuse the pain signal of the branch. This is often repeated at more than one level of the spine.

The procedure is generally well tolerated. The treatment area is numbed before the probe is placed. Mild soreness afterward is common but temporary.

Some patients notice improvement within one to two weeks, while others may take up to four weeks to experience full relief.

Coverage for radiofrequency ablation depends on your specific insurance plan and medical history. Many plans do cover it when conservative treatments and diagnostic injections have not provided lasting relief, but every policy is different. Our team checks your benefits before any procedure and explains exactly what to expect, including any out-of-pocket costs, so there are no surprises. If something isn’t covered, we’ll talk through self-pay options and flexible plans so you can still move forward with care.