Radiofrequency
(RF) Ablation Radiofrequency ablation can pinpoint spinal nerves that have been found to cause chronic pain. A thin needle is placed in the center of the nerve, guided by ultrasound or a CT scanner and radiofrequency waves are used to vibrate or heat the nerve, killing only the part of the tissue causing pain and leaving the rest of the spinal nerve untouched.
The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation. With conscious sedation, the patient receives pain medicine and sedation through an IV and skin-numbing medicine. Routine monitoring ensures patient safety during the procedure. Most patients feel little or no pain during the procedure.