Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that normally involves a local anesthetic and mild sedation. RFA can help gradually reduce chronic low-back and neck pain that is caused by the degeneration of joints from arthritis and many other spinal conditions. An electrical current produced by a radio wave is used to heat up a small area of nerve tissue, which helps minimize pain signals from that area.

The main side effect of RFA is slight discomfort including swelling and bruising where the injection originally took place. Although each patient reacts different to this treatment, many patients report pain relief lasting anywhere from six months all the way to several years.