Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain Near Me

‍Real Relief for Chronic Back Pain—Without Surgery

Chronic back pain affects everything—how you sleep, how you work, how you move. For many, it slowly chips away at quality of life, turning once-simple tasks into daily challenges. If you’ve tried medications, steroid injections, or physical therapy with limited relief, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments that go beyond short-term fixes. One of the most effective tools we offer for long-lasting back pain relief is radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—a proven procedure that targets the nerves causing pain and disrupts their ability to send pain signals to the brain.

Radiofrequency ablation is safe, outpatient, and often provides months—sometimes even a year or more—of significant pain relief without the need for surgery or opioids.

Medici proudly offers RFA and advanced spine care at multiple locations across Georgia, including our clinics in Kennesaw, Snellville, Buckhead, and our Marietta ambulatory surgery center. Wherever you are, expert care is just around the corner.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic back or neck pain by targeting the small nerves that carry pain signals to the brain. By using radio wave-generated heat to disrupt these nerves’ ability to transmit pain, RFA can provide long-lasting relief—without surgery, opioids, or major downtime.

This advanced treatment is most commonly used to address pain stemming from the facet joints—the small joints that link your vertebrae and allow movement in the spine. Over time, these joints can develop arthritis or degeneration, leading to inflammation and persistent pain. The medial branch nerves, which communicate pain from these joints, are the target of RFA.

How Radiofrequency Ablation Works

RFA is performed in a sterile outpatient setting—such as Medici’s Marietta ambulatory surgery center or one of our advanced clinics—using fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to ensure absolute precision. Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the skin and tissue near the targeted area. In some cases, light sedation may be offered for added comfort.
2. Using imaging guidance, a needle-like probe is placed alongside the medial branch nerves or other small sensory nerves contributing to your pain.
3. Once the location is confirmed, a mild electrical stimulation test may be performed to confirm that the needle is in contact with the right nerve.
4. Then, a small amount of heat (created by radiofrequency energy) is delivered to the nerve, disrupting its ability to transmit pain signals.
5. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and patients typically go home the same day.

When Is RFA Used?

RFA is typically considered for patients who:

• Have not achieved adequate relief with conservative treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medications
• Have responded well to a diagnostic nerve block or medial branch block, confirming the pain source
• Are not ideal candidates for surgery—or prefer to avoid more invasive procedures

Who Is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is not typically the first treatment used for back or neck pain—but for the right patient, it can be a game-changing solution that provides relief when other options have failed.

This procedure is best suited for people with chronic, localized spine pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or even epidural or facet joint injections.

Ideal Candidates for RFA Often Have:

• Chronic Low Back or Neck Pain:
  Lasting 3 months or longer, particularly in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) regions.
• Facet Joint Arthritis or Degeneration:
  Pain caused by inflammation or degeneration in the small joints at the back of the spine (facet joints), often worsened by twisting, arching, or prolonged standing.
• Pain Unrelieved by Other Treatments:
  Patients who have tried and not responded to physical therapy, medications, massage therapy, or steroid injections may be excellent candidates for RFA.
• A Positive Response to Diagnostic Nerve Blocks:
  If you’ve had a medial branch block (a temporary numbing injection to identify the pain source) and experienced significant relief, RFA may be recommended as the next step for long-term results.

Understanding When RFA Is Appropriate

RFA is not a first-line treatment—but it's often the most effective next step for those who:

• Prefer to avoid spine surgery
• Want a non-opioid solution to persistent pain
• Have recurrent flare-ups tied to facet joint irritation

Because it doesn’t involve removing tissue or altering spinal structure, RFA is especially helpful for patients who aren’t surgical candidates due to age, health risks, or lifestyle preferences.

Benefits of RFA for Back Pain

When conservative treatments like therapy, medications, or injections no longer provide enough relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a safe, effective way to manage chronic spine pain—without the need for surgery or long-term drug use.

Long-Lasting Relief—Up to 12 Months or More

RFA can deliver 6 to 12+ months of consistent pain relief, depending on the patient and the underlying condition. Some individuals experience relief for even longer, and the procedure can be safely repeated if pain returns.

Minimally Invasive With No Incisions

There are no surgical cuts or stitches involved. The procedure is performed through a tiny probe inserted under the skin, using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance. You’ll avoid the risks and downtime of traditional surgery, making RFA ideal for busy professionals, older adults, and those seeking a lower-risk solution.

No Opioids or Systemic Medications

Unlike prescription painkillers, which come with the risk of dependency or side effects, RFA is a non-opioid treatment that addresses the pain at its origin—the nerve itself. It allows many patients to reduce or eliminate the need for daily medications.

Minimal Downtime and Fast Recovery

Most patients resume normal activity within 24–48 hours after the procedure. There’s no hospital stay, and you can walk out the same day with only mild soreness at the injection site.

Supports Physical Therapy and Daily Function

By reducing your pain, RFA creates a valuable window of opportunity to return to physical therapy or gentle exercise, both of which help strengthen your body and extend your pain-free results.

Repeatable and Adjustable Over Time

Because nerves can slowly regenerate, RFA may be repeated if and when symptoms return—often years down the line. It’s a flexible, long-term solution that grows with your needs.

What to Expect During the Procedure

One of the most reassuring aspects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is how simple and low-stress the procedure is for patients—especially when performed by the experienced team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine. Whether you're treated in-office or at our state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center in Marietta, your comfort and safety come first.

Where It Happens

RFA is performed in a clean, controlled outpatient setting—either directly at one of our Medici clinics (Kennesaw, Snellville, Buckhead) or at our Marietta surgical center for enhanced imaging and monitoring capabilities.

Step-by-Step: What You Can Expect

1. Preparation & Anesthesia
   
   • You’ll lie comfortably on a procedure table while your provider prepares the treatment area.
   • A local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin and underlying tissue. Light sedation may be offered if needed for relaxation.
2. Precise Imaging Guidance
   
   • Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound, your provider will guide a thin, specialized needle to the exact nerve responsible for your pain—typically one of the medial branch nerves that communicates pain from the facet joints.
3. Test Stimulation (Optional)
   
   • A brief electrical stimulation may be performed to confirm nerve placement and minimize risk to surrounding structures.
4. Radiofrequency Energy Delivery
   
   • Once confirmed, the probe delivers controlled heat to the targeted nerve for a short period (typically 60–90 seconds). This heat disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals, without harming other tissue.
5. Recovery & Monitoring
   
   • After the procedure, you’ll rest briefly while we monitor you for comfort and safety. Most patients feel well enough to walk out and return home the same day.

There’s no need for stitches, general anesthesia, or prolonged downtime—making RFA one of the most effective and convenient options for long-term back or neck pain relief.

Take the First Step Toward Long-Term Pain Relief

If chronic back pain is holding you back, it’s time to explore proven, non-surgical options. Let’s find out if RFA is right for you.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’re committed to helping you feel better with treatments that are both effective and minimally invasive. Whether you're tired of relying on pain medications or looking to delay or avoid spine surgery, radiofrequency ablation could be the breakthrough that brings real, lasting relief.

Our expert team will take the time to evaluate your condition, walk you through your options, and develop a plan that fits your body—and your life.

📞 Call us today: +1-844-328-4624 💻 Or schedule online at: https://medicimedicalarts.com

We proudly offer:

• Same-day appointments available
• Medicare and most insurance accepted
• Convenient locations in Kennesaw, Snellville, Marietta, and Buckhead

Don’t settle for living in pain. Let’s move forward—together.

‍