Medial Branch Thermal Radiofrequency Ablation/Neurotomy and Block

This procedure applies thermal (heat-based) radiofrequency ablation to the medial branch nerves — the small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints — for patients with confirmed facet-joint-related back or neck pain. Where a diagnostic medial branch block has clearly, if temporarily, relieved your pain, thermal radiofrequency offers a longer-lasting treatment by creating a precise, controlled heat lesion at the nerve.

The procedure is performed under X-ray guidance with local anaesthetic, with a test stimulation used to confirm the needle is correctly positioned at the target nerve before the heat lesion is created. This precision is what allows the treatment to interrupt pain signalling from the joint while minimising effects on surrounding tissue.

For suitable patients, thermal radiofrequency of the medial branch nerves is one of the more durable interventional options for facet-joint pain, with relief commonly lasting from six months to well over a year. Because the treated nerves can eventually regenerate, some patients benefit from a repeat procedure once relief begins to wane.