Living with chronic pain can make even simple activities, like walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping, feel impossible. If medications or injections haven’t helped, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be the answer. This minimally invasive procedure “turns off” pain signals from irritated nerves, helping many people move more freely and get back to life.
At Grand Rapids Pain our specialists focus on advanced, non-opioid treatments designed to provide lasting relief. Along with RFA, we offer advanced options such as neuromodulation, regenerative medicine, and targeted injections, delivered in our accredited surgery center by West Michigan’s most experienced pain team. With convenient locations in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan, expert care is always within reach. Schedule your consultation today and let Grand Rapids Pain help you get your life back.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about RFA and why it may be the right step toward restoring your daily function.
What Radiofrequency Ablation Is and How It Works
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses controlled heat to target specific nerves. These nerves are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. By applying heat through a thin needle, the nerve is deactivated, reducing or stopping pain from that area.
The radiofrequency ablation procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. Using imaging guidance such as X-ray or ultrasound, the physician precisely places a probe near the targeted nerve. Once in position, radio waves generate heat to safely disrupt pain transmission. The surrounding healthy tissue is preserved, and most patients go home the same day.
- Procedure time: 15 to 30 minutes
- Recovery: Most patients resume normal activity within 24 to 48 hours
- Pain relief duration: 6 to 12 months, sometimes longer
- Repeatable: If pain returns, the procedure can be performed again
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation for pain is most often used when other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, have not provided lasting results. At Grand Rapids Pain, we treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Back and Neck Pain: Often caused by arthritis in the facet joints or degenerative disc disease.
- Basivertebral Nerve Pain: Chronic low back pain related to degenerative disc disease, treated with a special type of nerve ablation.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A painful condition affecting the face, often resistant to standard medications.
- Joint Pain: Including radiofrequency ablation knee treatment, which helps patients with knee arthritis reduce discomfort without surgery.
- Chronic Headaches and Neuralgia: Conditions like cervicogenic headaches or occipital neuralgia, where nerve pain radiates from the neck or head.
By targeting the specific nerves responsible, RFA provides longer-term relief than temporary injections.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation Compared to Other Pain Treatments
Patients often ask why RFA is recommended over other treatments. While medications and steroid injections may provide short-term relief, radiofrequency ablation treatment offers several unique benefits:
- Minimally Invasive: Requires no surgical incision and only local anesthesia.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activity in a day or two.
- Long-Lasting Relief: Provides relief for six months to a year, sometimes longer.
- Reduced Dependence on Medications: May help avoid or minimize the need for opioids or repeated steroid injections.
- Outpatient Convenience: Performed in our accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center, avoiding hospital stays and long wait times.
This combination of safety, convenience, and effectiveness makes RFA a preferred option for many people living with chronic pain.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
Not every patient is a candidate for RFA. At Grand Rapids Pain, our specialists conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if this treatment is right for you.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Chronic pain lasting six months or more.
- Pain that responds temporarily to nerve blocks or injections.
- Arthritis-related back or neck pain, knee pain, or pain from degenerative disc disease.
- Trigeminal neuralgia or other nerve-related pain conditions.
RFA is not recommended for patients who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders, or have active infections. Our team reviews your full medical history to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why Grand Rapids Patients Are Choosing This Treatment for Pain Relief
Across West Michigan, more patients are turning to RFA because it offers meaningful pain relief without major surgery. At Grand Rapids Pain, we combine decades of experience, advanced imaging, and FDA-approved technology to deliver safe and effective care.
Here’s why patients choose us for radiofrequency ablation treatment:
- Expertise: Board-certified physicians who specialize in interventional pain management.
- Comprehensive Approach: Advanced diagnostics like EMG/NCV testing and pain mapping ensure precise targeting.
- Customized Care: Every treatment plan is built around your pain condition, lifestyle, and goals.
- Compassionate Team: From physicians to nurse practitioners, our staff is dedicated to patient comfort and education.
- Insurance-Friendly: We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
For patients in Grand Rapids, RFA represents a step toward lasting pain relief and improved daily function.
Lasting Pain Relief Is Within Reach
Radiofrequency ablation is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for managing chronic pain by targeting the nerves responsible for discomfort. For patients in Grand Rapids, this treatment has become a reliable path toward restored mobility, reduced medication use, and improved quality of life. At Grand Rapids Pain, we’re proud to bring the most advanced interventional treatments to West Michigan.
Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Our specialists are here to help. Call us at (616) 727-0083 or schedule your appointment online now; your path to relief begins here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is the radiofrequency ablation procedure?
Patients may feel mild discomfort during the procedure, but local anesthesia keeps it tolerable. Some soreness can occur afterward, but it usually improves within days.
How soon can I return to work after RFA?
Most patients return to work or normal activities within 1–2 days, depending on the area treated and their overall health.
How long does pain relief last after radiofrequency ablation?
Relief typically lasts 6–12 months. In some cases, nerves may not regrow, providing even longer-term benefit.
Can RFA be repeated?
Yes, if pain returns, RFA can be repeated safely with similar success rates.
Is radiofrequency ablation covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare, cover RFA. Our staff will confirm your benefits before treatment.
