Radiofrequency Ablations
Last reviewed: April 26, 2026
Are you tired of living with chronic pain that limits your daily activities and quality of life? At SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine Doctors, we offer state-of-the-art Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedures to effectively manage and alleviate your pain, allowing you to regain control and enjoy a more active lifestyle.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency Ablation, also known as Radiofrequency Neurotomy or Rhizotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses thermal energy to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves. By applying heat generated from radiofrequency waves, the targeted nerves responsible for transmitting pain are effectively disabled, providing long-lasting relief.
Conditions Treated by Radiofrequency Ablations
Radiofrequency Ablations are commonly used to manage chronic pain associated with various conditions, including:
Facet joint pain: RFA can be applied to the nerves supplying the facet joints in the spine, which are a common source of chronic back or neck pain.
Sacroiliac joint pain: RFA can provide relief for patients experiencing chronic pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, located at the base of the spine.
Peripheral nerve pain: RFA can be used to treat conditions such as chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS), occipital neuralgia, and intercostal neuralgia.
Arthritis pain: RFA can effectively manage pain caused by degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
The Radiofrequency Ablation Process at SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine Doctors
At SOLUTIONS Pain & Spine Doctors, we prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout the entire treatment process:
Initial evaluation: Our experienced medical team will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests to determine if Radiofrequency Ablation is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Pre-procedure consultation: We will explain the procedure in detail, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with instructions to prepare for the RFA procedure.
RFA procedure: You will be positioned comfortably, and the treatment area will be numbed using a local anesthetic. Our skilled specialists will use advanced imaging guidance to precisely place the radiofrequency electrodes near the targeted nerves. Thermal energy is then applied to disrupt the pain signals.
Recovery and follow-up: Following the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period before being discharged. We will provide you with post-procedure instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to assess your progress and address any concerns.
All Treatments
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Inferior Hypogastric Nerve Block
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Sympathetic Plexus (Ganglion) Block
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD Procedure) for Spinal Stenosis
Occipital Nerve Block & Ablation
Sacroiliac Joint Injection/Fusion
Radiofrequency Ablation of Facet Joints
Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerves of the Knee
Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Nerves
Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial & Implant
Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block
Superion InterSpinous Spacer for Spinal Stenosis
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection or Selective Nerve Root Block
Radiofrequency Ablation for Long-Lasting Pain Relief in Georgia
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses precisely controlled heat energy to disrupt the pain signals transmitted by specific nerves. At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia performs radiofrequency ablation procedures at all four of our Georgia locations — Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens — providing patients with durable, long-lasting pain relief.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, a specialized needle electrode is guided to the target nerve using fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging. Once positioned, a small radiofrequency current is passed through the electrode, generating heat that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The procedure does not damage motor nerves or affect normal sensation — it specifically targets the sensory nerve fibers responsible for carrying pain signals.
The result is significant, long-lasting pain relief that can persist for 6 months to 2 years or more. Because nerves can regenerate over time, the procedure can be safely repeated when pain returns.
Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is most commonly used to treat pain originating from specific joints and nerve pathways, including:
- Facet joint pain (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar facet joints)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Knee pain from osteoarthritis (genicular nerve ablation)
- Hip pain from osteoarthritis
- Occipital neuralgia and chronic headaches
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Chronic low back pain from facet joint degeneration
Types of Radiofrequency Ablation at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors
Radiofrequency Ablation of Facet Joints (Medial Branch Neurotomy): The facet joints are small joints located on the back of the spine that can become arthritic and painful with age or injury. RFA of the medial branch nerves — which carry pain signals from the facet joints — provides significant relief for patients with chronic neck or back pain from facet joint disease. A positive response to diagnostic medial branch blocks is required before proceeding with RFA.
Genicular Nerve Ablation (Knee RFA): For patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis who are not candidates for or wish to delay knee replacement surgery, genicular nerve ablation targets the sensory nerves supplying the knee joint. Clinical studies show that genicular RFA provides meaningful pain relief and functional improvement in the majority of patients.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Nerves: RFA can also be applied to peripheral nerves throughout the body to treat localized chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF): Unlike conventional RFA, pulsed radiofrequency uses intermittent pulses of radiofrequency energy at lower temperatures, modulating nerve activity without destroying the nerve. This technique is particularly useful for treating dorsal root ganglion pain and certain neuropathic pain conditions.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number of nerves treated. Local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
After the procedure, you may experience temporary soreness or increased pain at the treatment site for 1–2 weeks as the nerve tissue heals. Full pain relief typically develops over 2–4 weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have chronic joint or nerve pain that has not responded to other treatments, radiofrequency ablation may provide the long-lasting relief you have been seeking. Contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors today at (470) 275-3626 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Georgia from our locations in Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens.
Radiofrequency Ablation for Long-Lasting Pain Relief in Georgia
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses precisely controlled heat energy to disrupt the pain signals transmitted by specific nerves. At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia performs radiofrequency ablation procedures at all four of our Georgia locations — Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens — providing patients with durable, long-lasting pain relief.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, a specialized needle electrode is guided to the target nerve using fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging. Once positioned, a small radiofrequency current is passed through the electrode, generating heat that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. The procedure does not damage motor nerves or affect normal sensation — it specifically targets the sensory nerve fibers responsible for carrying pain signals.
The result is significant, long-lasting pain relief that can persist for 6 months to 2 years or more. Because nerves can regenerate over time, the procedure can be safely repeated when pain returns.
Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is most commonly used to treat pain originating from specific joints and nerve pathways, including:
- Facet joint pain (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar facet joints)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Knee pain from osteoarthritis (genicular nerve ablation)
- Hip pain from osteoarthritis
- Occipital neuralgia and chronic headaches
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
- Chronic low back pain from facet joint degeneration
Types of Radiofrequency Ablation at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors
Radiofrequency Ablation of Facet Joints (Medial Branch Neurotomy): The facet joints are small joints located on the back of the spine that can become arthritic and painful with age or injury. RFA of the medial branch nerves — which carry pain signals from the facet joints — provides significant relief for patients with chronic neck or back pain from facet joint disease. A positive response to diagnostic medial branch blocks is required before proceeding with RFA.
Genicular Nerve Ablation (Knee RFA): For patients with chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis who are not candidates for or wish to delay knee replacement surgery, genicular nerve ablation targets the sensory nerves supplying the knee joint. Clinical studies show that genicular RFA provides meaningful pain relief and functional improvement in the majority of patients.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Nerves: RFA can also be applied to peripheral nerves throughout the body to treat localized chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments.
Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF): Unlike conventional RFA, pulsed radiofrequency uses intermittent pulses of radiofrequency energy at lower temperatures, modulating nerve activity without destroying the nerve. This technique is particularly useful for treating dorsal root ganglion pain and certain neuropathic pain conditions.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number of nerves treated. Local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
After the procedure, you may experience temporary soreness or increased pain at the treatment site for 1–2 weeks as the nerve tissue heals. Full pain relief typically develops over 2–4 weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have chronic joint or nerve pain that has not responded to other treatments, radiofrequency ablation may provide the long-lasting relief you have been seeking. Contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors today at (470) 275-3626 or request an appointment online. We serve patients throughout Georgia from our locations in Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens.