Nerve Ablation Explained: How It Helps Chronic Pain Near Snellville

Chronic pain is more than just a physical sensation—it’s a constant interruption to life. Whether it’s in your lower back, neck, hips, or knees, persistent pain can steal your energy, limit your movement, and make even the simplest tasks feel exhausting. Over time, it can take a toll not only on your body, but also on your relationships, mental health, and independence.

Many patients near Snellville have tried all the usual solutions—over-the-counter meds, physical therapy, injections, maybe even surgery—yet still find themselves waking up every day to the same nagging discomfort. The cycle of pain and short-term relief can feel endless, frustrating, and hopeless.

But what if there was a targeted, non-surgical solution that could quiet the pain at its source?

What Is Nerve Ablation?

Nerve ablation, medically known as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Radiofrequency Neurotomy, is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that helps people with chronic pain find long-term relief—without surgery or strong medications.

The goal of nerve ablation is simple: stop the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain. This is done by precisely targeting the nerve with heat generated from radiofrequency energy. The heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain, offering significant relief while preserving nearby healthy tissues and function.

How Does It Work?

During the procedure:

  • A small, specialized needle is guided to the area of pain using live X-ray (fluoroscopy) for accuracy.
  • Once in place, the tip of the needle delivers a controlled pulse of heat to the targeted sensory nerve.
  • This heat deactivates the nerve, interrupting the pain signal before it can reach your brain.

Because the treatment is focused only on the sensory nerves responsible for pain, motor nerves and surrounding structures are left untouched, meaning your movement and strength remain fully intact.

Conditions That May Benefit from Nerve Ablation

Chronic Low Back Pain (Facet Joint Syndrome)

Facet joints connect the bones of your spine and allow movement. When these joints become inflamed or arthritic, they can cause persistent lower back pain. Nerve ablation can deactivate the small nerves around these joints, providing lasting relief.

Neck Pain from Cervical Facet Arthritis

Just like in the lower spine, arthritic or damaged facet joints in the neck can trigger constant tension, headaches, and shoulder pain. RFA can reduce inflammation-related nerve signals and improve neck mobility.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain

The SI joints sit at the base of your spine, connecting it to your pelvis. Dysfunction or inflammation here can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or legs. Nerve ablation targets the sensory nerves surrounding these joints to minimize pain without affecting mobility.

Osteoarthritis-Related Knee or Hip Pain

For patients who aren’t ready—or aren’t candidates—for joint replacement surgery, nerve ablation can offer significant relief from bone-on-bone arthritis pain. This can help reduce dependency on pain medications and improve function.

Post-Surgical Joint Pain

If you’ve had joint surgery but continue to experience nerve-based pain, RFA may be able to interrupt those lingering pain signals and help restore your quality of life.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)

FBSS refers to continued or recurrent back pain following spine surgery. In some cases, the source of pain shifts from structural to nerve-related, making it ideal for targeted therapies like nerve ablation.

Nerve-Related Pelvic Pain

Persistent pelvic or groin pain, particularly in patients with a history of surgery or injury, may be due to overactive or damaged sensory nerves. RFA offers a way to calm those nerves and reduce pain without systemic medication.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Pre-Procedure: Laying the Groundwork for Success

Before we perform a nerve ablation, we take several steps to ensure it’s the right option for your specific condition:

  • Evaluation with imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) to precisely identify the pain source
  • A diagnostic nerve block to test whether temporarily numbing the nerve brings significant pain relief—this confirms you're a good candidate for ablation
  • You may receive instructions to:
    • Pause certain medications (especially blood thinners)
    • Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours prior, if sedation is involved
    • Arrange for a ride home, especially if sedation is used

During the Procedure: Precision and Comfort

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthetic—no general anesthesia required
  • You'll lie comfortably on your stomach or side while your provider uses fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to guide a small electrode precisely to the targeted nerve
  • Once in position, the electrode delivers radiofrequency energy, gently heating the nerve tissue
  • This heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals, essentially “turning off” the pain pathway
  • The procedure usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on how many nerves are being treated

After the Procedure

  • Same-Day Discharge
    Most patients are able to go home shortly after the procedure with minimal downtime.
  • Mild Side Effects
    You may feel some temporary soreness, stiffness, or mild fatigue in the treated area, which usually resolves within a day or two.
  • Gradual Pain Relief
    While some patients feel better almost immediately, full relief typically develops over 1 to 3 weeks as inflammation around the treated nerve settles.
  • Long-Lasting Results
    Many patients enjoy pain relief for 6 to 18 months, and in some cases, longer. Because nerves can regenerate over time, the procedure can be safely repeated if the pain returns.

Rare but Possible Complications

Although rare, as with any procedure, there are some potential risks:

  • Infection at the injection site
  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Nerve irritation that may temporarily increase discomfort before subsiding
  • Allergic reaction to medication or contrast dye used during fluoroscopy

Our team takes every precaution to minimize these risks, including sterile technique, pre-screening, and post-procedure monitoring.

Benefits of Nerve Ablation

Minimally Invasive with No Incisions

Nerve ablation is performed using a small probe inserted through the skin—no large cuts, no stitches, and no hospital stay required. This means less trauma to your body, a shorter recovery time, and minimal disruption to your routine.

Drug-Free, Opioid-Sparing Treatment

Because the procedure targets the nerves directly, there’s no need for daily pain pills or long-term opioid use. This makes it a smart, safer choice for patients looking to avoid the side effects and risks of long-term medication.

Targeted Relief Without Affecting Surrounding Tissues

Unlike systemic medications or broad surgeries, nerve ablation is highly specific. It treats only the pain-generating nerve fibers, leaving nearby muscles, bones, and other nerves untouched. This precision means less risk and more focused results.

Improves Daily Function and Quality of Life

Nerve ablation is about more than just pain relief—it’s about getting your life back. After treatment, patients often report being able to:

  • Walk longer distances
  • Sleep more soundly
  • Sit, stand, and work with less discomfort
  • Exercise, travel, and enjoy time with loved ones again

Pairs Well with Physical Therapy or Rehab

With pain reduced, many patients find that they’re able to participate more fully in physical therapy or movement-based recovery programs. This leads to improved strength, flexibility, and longer-lasting results.

Can Delay or Prevent the Need for Surgery

In many cases, patients who were once considering joint replacement or spinal surgery find that nerve ablation provides enough relief to put off—or completely avoid—more invasive procedures. It's an excellent bridge between conservative care and surgery.

Ready to Find Long-Lasting Pain Relief?

If chronic back, neck, or joint pain has been part of your life for too long, it’s time to consider a different approach—one that targets the pain at its source and restores your ability to move, work, and enjoy life again.

Nerve ablation offers real hope and freedom. It’s not just about masking symptoms—it’s about quieting the overactive nerves that have been keeping you from the life you deserve. Whether you've struggled with pain for months or years, this minimally invasive procedure can help you find relief that lasts.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’re proud to offer this advanced treatment right here in Snellville, delivered by a team that puts your comfort, your goals, and your future first. We’re here to help you take back control—safely, compassionately, and effectively.

📞 Call Us: 1-844-328-4624 🌐 Visit: https://medicimedicalarts.com

📍 Snellville Clinic 2220 Wisteria Drive, Unit 101
Snellville, GA 30078

📍 Snellville Ambulatory Surgery Center
Unit 100, same address

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