Radiofrequency ablation (also referred to as radiofrequency neurotomy) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces facet or sacroiliac joint pain. This procedure may be used if a patient does not experience relief following a nerve or facet joint block.
During Radiofrequency ablation, small electrical currents are passed through a needle toward the nerves that are causing pain. The electrical currents create a heat lesion on the affected nerves. This halts the nerve’s ability to transport pain signals from the area causing pain to the brain.