Radio Frequency Ablation Treatment in London

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When chronic back or neck pain from arthritic facet joints disrupts your daily life, radiofrequency ablation for back and neck pain in London offers longer-lasting relief than traditional injections.

Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee provides this advanced procedure that uses controlled heat to disrupt pain-carrying nerves, helping patients regain function and quality of life.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation back pain treatment, also known as radiofrequency denervation spine, targets the medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints. These small nerves transmit pain signals from arthritic or inflamed facet joints in the spine.

The procedure uses a specialised probe that delivers radiofrequency energy to create a precise heat lesion on the nerve. This interrupts pain signals without affecting motor function or spinal stability. Importantly, the treatment does not damage muscles or the spinal cord.

When Is RFA for Neck Pain Recommended?

Radiofrequency ablation for back and neck pain in London is used for chronic back or neck pain arising from facet joints that hasn’t responded adequately to physiotherapy, medication, or activity modification. The procedure is performed after a positive response to medial branch blocks—diagnostic injections that temporarily numb the target nerves. If these blocks provide significant pain relief, you’re likely a good candidate.

Ideal Candidates

RFA is recommended for patients who demonstrate a strong temporary response to medial branch blocks, indicating that the target nerves are correctly identified.

Chronic facet-related neck or back pain

Positive relief after diagnostic nerve blocks

Pain persisting despite conservative care

Symptoms limiting daily activity

No surgical instability requiring fusion

Common Conditions Treated

Facet Joint Degeneration and Arthritis

Facet joint arthritis and age-related spinal degeneration cause inflammation and abnormal joint motion that generate chronic mechanical pain. Treatment focuses on interrupting pain signals from the affected joints.

Relieves chronic back or neck pain

Reduces inflammation-driven joint irritation

Post-Traumatic and Post-Surgical Facet Pain

Pain may develop after whiplash injuries or spinal surgery when facet joints become the primary pain source. The procedure addresses residual joint pain that persists after structural healing.

Controls pain following spinal surgery

Improves movement after whiplash injury

The Medial Branch Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

Aspect	Details
Anaesthesia	Local anaesthetic with sedation
Guidance	X-ray fluoroscopy for precision
Duration	30-60 minutes
Hospital stay	Home same day

Recovery and Results

Recovery Timeline

Day 1-3: Some soreness at the treatment site; may feel similar to baseline pain
Week 1-2: Gradual reduction in pain begins; normal activities resumed cautiously
Week 2-4: Progressive improvement; most patients notice significant relief
Month 1-3: Peak benefit achieved; return to fuller activities and exercise
Months 6-18+: Pain relief may last six months to over a year in suitable patients

Expected Outcomes

Facet joint radiofrequency ablation offers good outcomes for appropriately selected patients:

Patients experience significant pain reduction
Relief typically lasts 9-18 months on average
Some patients report benefit for 2+ years
The procedure can be safely repeated when pain returns

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Back and Neck Pain in London

Minimally invasive outpatient procedure

No need for ongoing medication or frequent injections

Improved function and quality of life

Ability to engage more effectively with physiotherapy

Safe, well-established technique with low complication rates

Is RFA The Right Choice for You?

Not all back or neck pain originates from facet joints; accurate diagnosis through diagnostic blocks is essential. Dr Purnajyoti Banerjee will assess whether your pain pattern, examination findings, and response to diagnostic injections make you a suitable candidate. A private session with him includes a review of your pain history, previous treatments, diagnostic block results, and a discussion of realistic expectations for outcomes and the duration of relief.