Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation
A minimally invasive treatment for carefully selected patients with persistent neck pain
Long-lasting pain relief for cervical facet joint pain
Persistent neck pain can affect your ability to work, drive, sleep and enjoy everyday activities. For some people, neck pain is also associated with headaches that begin in the upper neck.
When physiotherapy, medication and other conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief, cervical radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be considered for carefully selected patients whose pain arises from the cervical facet joints.
A detailed assessment is essential to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition.
What is cervical radiofrequency ablation?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain by treating the small medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints of the neck.
Facet joints are small joints located at the back of the cervical spine. They guide movement and provide stability but can become painful due to arthritis, injury or age-related wear.
Radiofrequency ablation uses carefully controlled heat to interrupt pain signals travelling through these nerves while preserving normal strength and movement of the neck.
The procedure is performed under X-ray guidance to ensure accurate needle placement.
What are the cervical facet joints?
The cervical facet joints allow the neck to bend, rotate and extend smoothly.
When these joints become painful they commonly cause:
-
Pain in the neck
-
Pain looking up or turning the head
-
Stiffness
-
Pain across the shoulders
-
Pain between the shoulder blades
-
Headaches beginning in the upper neck (cervicogenic headaches)
Facet joint pain is usually different from pain caused by trapped nerves, which often produces pain, tingling or numbness travelling into the arm.
Who may benefit?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation may be suitable if you have:
-
Persistent neck pain lasting longer than three months
-
Pain suspected to arise from the cervical facet joints
-
Neck pain affecting work, sleep or daily activities
-
Pain that has not improved with physiotherapy and medication
-
Significant temporary pain relief following diagnostic medial branch blocks
The procedure is not suitable for every cause of neck pain, and careful patient selection is essential.
How do we determine whether I'm suitable?
Before recommending treatment, I perform a detailed assessment including:
-
Discussion of your symptoms
-
Physical examination
-
Review of previous imaging
-
Consideration of alternative diagnoses
-
Diagnostic cervical medial branch blocks
Diagnostic nerve blocks temporarily numb the nerves supplying the facet joints. If these provide significant short-term pain relief, radiofrequency ablation may offer longer-lasting benefit.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure is usually performed as a day case under local anaesthetic.
It typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
The procedure involves:
-
Positioning you comfortably on the X-ray table.
-
Cleaning the skin and administering local anaesthetic.
-
Using X-ray guidance to position specialised needles beside the medial branch nerves.
-
Performing sensory and motor stimulation to confirm accurate needle placement.
-
Applying controlled radiofrequency energy to each target nerve.
-
Removing the needles and applying small dressings.
Most patients return home shortly afterwards.
Recovery
Some temporary soreness around the treatment sites is common for several days.
Most patients can:
-
Return home shortly after the procedure
-
Resume light activities within one or two days
-
Gradually increase activity over the following weeks
Pain relief often develops over two to six weeks.
Continuing your rehabilitation programme and neck exercises is recommended to achieve the best long-term results.
What are the benefits?
For carefully selected patients, cervical radiofrequency ablation may:
-
Reduce persistent neck pain
-
Improve neck movement
-
Reduce cervicogenic headaches
-
Improve sleep
-
Improve quality of life
-
Reduce reliance on pain medication
-
Make rehabilitation easier
Relief varies between individuals and cannot be guaranteed.
What are the risks?
Cervical radiofrequency ablation is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced clinician using image guidance. However, all procedures carry some risk.
Possible complications include:
-
Temporary soreness
-
Bruising
-
Bleeding
-
Infection
-
Temporary increase in pain
-
Temporary numbness around the treatment area
-
Failure to improve symptoms
-
Very rarely, injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels
These risks will be discussed fully during your consultation before treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cervical radiofrequency ablation help headaches?
Yes.
Some headaches originate from the upper cervical facet joints (known as cervicogenic headaches). If diagnostic blocks confirm these joints as the source of pain, radiofrequency ablation may help reduce both neck pain and associated headaches.
Will the procedure cure my arthritis?
No.
Radiofrequency ablation reduces pain by interrupting pain signals from the affected joints but does not reverse arthritis or repair the underlying joint changes.
How long does pain relief last?
Many patients experience pain relief for several months.
As the treated nerves gradually regenerate, symptoms may return and repeat treatment can sometimes be considered.
Will I be asleep?
No.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic. Sedation is not routinely required.
Can the treatment be repeated?
Yes.
If you experienced good pain relief previously and your symptoms return, repeat treatment may be appropriate after reassessment.
Will I still need physiotherapy?
Yes.
The best results are usually achieved by combining pain relief with an ongoing programme of exercise and rehabilitation.
Why choose Dr David Crabtree?
As a Consultant in Pain Medicine, I specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of persistent spinal pain. Careful patient selection is essential before recommending cervical radiofrequency ablation.
Where appropriate, procedures are performed under X-ray guidance using evidence-based techniques to maximise precision, safety and the likelihood of achieving meaningful pain relief.
Ready to explore your treatment options?
If persistent neck pain or cervicogenic headaches are affecting your quality of life despite physiotherapy, medication or previous injections, a consultation can help determine whether cervical radiofrequency ablation or another treatment is the most appropriate option for you.