Radiofrequency denervation
Spinal Injection Therapies: Radiofrequently Denervation
Radiofrequency denervation (RFS) is sometimes used to treat persistent neck and back pain. RFD is the insertion of a needle next to the joints in the spine. Electricity is then sent through the needle. The electricity destroys the nerve to the joint. When pain comes from that joint, the RFD stops the pain signals to the brain. Before doing RFS the doctor finds the right joint by numbing the suspected nerve(s) with an injection. Usually this done twice or three times to be sure of where the pain is coming from. The other injections are either a different type of numbing solution or an inactive solution.
There is not enough evidence to assess the benefit and harm of RFS in the treatment of persistent pain in the neck or back.
Possible harms from RFD in the neck include minor numbness, unpleasant sensations and skin rash. For RFD in the lower back (sacroiliac) possible harms include short-term worsening of pain and pins and needles.
RFD can be done in different ways. Some researchers state that the way they do the injections and the RFD really matters. They say that the benefit of RFD that they have found will only happen to people who have RFD in exactly the same way. Others state that RFD can be used carefully in other ways, based on the doctor's experience and expertise.
