This post was written by Dr. Andrius Giedraitis, Pain Management at Parkview Bryan Hospital.
As a board-certified, fellowship-trained pain medicine physician, I routinely meet patients whose lives have been narrowed by chronic pain. Despite physical therapy, medications and lifestyle changes, many continue to struggle—or experience side effects that limit long-term treatment options. These challenges have accelerated the evolution of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat pain at its source.
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals carried by specific nerves. Rather than masking pain with medication, RFA directly targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain to the brain. When used in appropriately selected patients, this approach can provide long-lasting pain relief while preserving surrounding structures and function.
The science behind the relief
Pain signals travel from injured or irritated areas of the body to the brain through small nerves. These nerves act like electrical wires, carrying signals that tell the brain, “this hurts.”
Radiofrequency ablation works by using gentle heat to interrupt those pain signals. During the procedure, a small probe is placed next to the nerve that is causing pain. The heat alters how that nerve transmits signals, so fewer pain signals reach the brain.
This treatment does not remove the nerve or damage nearby muscles or tissues. Instead, it focuses only on the pain-carrying part of the nerve. Over time, the nerve may slowly regain the ability to send pain signals, which is why pain relief can last for months but is not always permanent.
Using live imaging during the procedure helps the physician place the probe exactly where it needs to be. This precision is important—it improves results and helps keep the procedure safe.
Conditions commonly treated with RFA
RFA has demonstrated benefit in a range of chronic pain conditions, including:
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Chronic neck and low back pain due to arthritis
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Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
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Pain from peripheral neuropathy
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Certain cancer-related pain syndromes
Importantly, most evidence-based treatment protocols require diagnostic nerve blocks before proceeding—an approach that helps improve patient selection and avoids unnecessary procedures.
Safety and patient selection
When performed by trained specialists following established guidelines, RFA has a strong safety profile. Most patients experience only mild post-procedural soreness and return to normal activity within days. RFA is a highly targeted therapy with an excellent safety profile, even in sensitive anatomical areas. The use of live X-ray guidance and proper sterile techniques means that infections are extremely rare. RFA is a low-risk procedure for most patients, but careful evaluation for known risk factors is important to avoid complications.
Innovation and the future of RFA
The field of interventional pain medicine continues to advance rapidly. Emerging technologies such as neuro-navigation, robotic probe placement and regenerative-hybrid approaches aim to further enhance the precision and durability of relief. These innovations reinforce a broader shift toward non-opioid, function-focused pain care.
Precision pain care with purpose
Radiofrequency ablation is not a cure for every pain condition—but for the right patient, it can be transformative. By targeting pain at its source, RFA allows many patients to move better, reduce reliance on medications and reclaim daily function. A comprehensive evaluation with a pain specialist is the first step in determining whether this precision-based therapy is appropriate.
At Parkview Bryan Hospital's Pain Management Clinic in Ohio, our team offers personalized and balanced care, with no referral necessary. To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call 419-633-7343.
At PPG—Pain Management in Indiana, appointments are by referral only. If you suspect you need to see a pain management specialist, contact your primary care physician.
