Could Radiofrequency Ablation Be Your Solution for Chronic Neck Pain?

Upwards of 25 million Americans have to take time off work each year because of neck pain. In many cases, it becomes a long-term issue, affecting how you work, sleep, drive, and perform simple daily activities.

When medications, physical therapy, or injections only bring temporary relief, it’s natural to wonder what other options exist. At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic in Duluth, Georgia, we help patients understand advanced treatments that go beyond surface-level pain control.

One option we may recommend is radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This minimally invasive procedure targets the nerves responsible for sending pain signals.

Understanding radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat from radio waves to interrupt pain signals from irritated facet joints in your neck. These joints, located on both sides of your cervical spine, help your neck bend, twist, and absorb movement.

When your facet joints become inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or wear-and-tear, the tiny nerves that supply them can become overactive, triggering persistent pain.

During RFA, we use a special needle to deliver heat directly to these nerves. This heat destroys the nerve endings that are sending pain signals to your brain without damaging any of the delicate surrounding tissues.

Because the treated nerves can’t communicate with your brain as effectively, it reduces the amount of discomfort you feel.

How radiofrequency ablation helps with chronic neck pain

If you’ve been dealing with long-term neck pain, you know how frustrating it is to try treatments that only work for a short time. RFA offers a longer-lasting solution by addressing the source of your pain rather than just treating your symptoms.

Patients often choose RFA because it can:

• Reduce or eliminate pain
• Improve range of motion
• Lower the need for medications
• Help them return to normal activities more easily

For many, pain relief lasts between six months and two years or even longer, depending on how quickly the affected nerves regenerate.

Who is a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

We usually recommend RFA to people whose pain originates from the facet joints or medial branch nerves. Before offering it, we typically perform diagnostic injections called medial branch blocks.

These injections temporarily numb the nerves suspected of causing your pain. If you feel significant relief from these blocks, it’s a good sign that RFA can help you.

Suitable candidates include people with:

• Chronic neck pain lasting more than three months
• Arthritis in the cervical spine
• Pain aggravated by turning, bending, or looking down

Limited relief from other conservative treatments is another vital qualifier, because many patients recover using frontline therapies such as physical therapy. We also review your overall health, medications, and imaging results to make sure the procedure is right for you.

What you can expect during radiofrequency ablation 

The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes and uses local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. You’ll lie comfortably while we use cutting-edge imaging to precisely position the needle. 

The radiofrequency energy heats the targeted nerve for a short period. You may feel mild pressure or warmth, but most people tolerate it well.

Because RFA is minimally invasive, you can go home the same day. Most patients are surprised at how quick and manageable RFA is.

Radiofrequency ablation recovery and results

Recovery is usually smooth. You may feel soreness at the treatment site for a few days that resembles a muscle ache after a workout, but this fades as the nerve stops sending pain signals.

Many patients notice an improvement in their symptoms within 1-2 weeks. Better sleep, increased mobility, and reduced reliance on pain medication are some of the most common benefits people report. For some, the relief is life-changing, allowing them to enjoy activities that have become difficult or impossible.

Results are usually long-lasting, but the pain nerves can regenerate over several years. Even if this does happen, you should still benefit from a significant reduction in pain for an extended time, and we can always repeat the treatment if necessary.

When to consider radiofrequency ablation for neck pain

If chronic neck pain limits your movement, affects your mood, or stops you from doing things you enjoy, RFA might be worth discussing. It’s especially useful for those who want longer-lasting relief without surgery or strong medications.

We work closely with each patient to understand their symptoms, diagnose the cause, and recommend treatments that fit their lifestyle and goals. Radiofrequency ablation isn’t the right choice for everyone, but for many, it opens the door to a more comfortable, active life.

Discover whether you could benefit from radiofrequency ablation by contacting North of Atlanta Pain Clinic by phone at 770-559-8385 or by clicking here to schedule a consultation.