Are you getting ready for your radiofrequency neurotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation, or RFA) and wondering what to expect?[1] Your doctor most likely recommended this procedure because your pain is coming from irritated or inflamed spinal nerves.
These irritated nerves may be related to arthritis or degeneration of the spinal joints.[2] RFA also treats the sacroiliac joint, knee, hip, peripheral nerve and cancer pain.[;3]
Radiofrequency neurotomy works by using heat generated by radio waves to “turn off” small nerve fibers that send pain signals, providing longer-lasting relief than steroid injections or medications.[2]
Whether you just had an RFA or are considering the procedure, knowing what to expect afterwards can help you feel confident and prepared in your recovery. Let’s walk through what usually happens.
Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Chronic Neck and Back Pain Relief: What to Know
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Using X-ray guidance, your doctor places a small needle near the target nerve and applies radio waves to interrupt its ability to send pain signals.[3] This technique is commonly used to treat conditions such as facet joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, or chronic neck and back pain.[4]
While the treatment doesn’t cure the underlying arthritis or joint condition, it can reduce pain for 6–12 months or sometimes longer.[5]
Immediately After Your RFA Procedure
Right after the procedure, you’ll rest in a recovery area for a short time while the sedation wears off. Most people are monitored for about 30 minutes to ensure they’re stable before being discharged home.[6]
You may feel:
- Some numbness or mild soreness at the injection site [3]
- A “sunburn-like” sensation where the nerves were treated [5]
- Mild weakness or tingling that usually fades within a few hours [1]
Your care team will give you discharge instructions, including when to resume medications and how to care for the injection site at home.
After You Are Discharged: The First 24–48 Hours
The first day or two following a neurotomy are often the most uncomfortable. It’s normal to feel more soreness than pain relief right away. The area may be tender from the needle placement and heat treatment.[1]
Doctors usually recommend:
- Taking it easy and avoiding strenuous activity for the first 24 hours [6]
- Using an ice pack to reduce soreness at the injection site [3]
- Avoiding baths, pools, or hot tubs for at least 24 hours to lower infection risk [3]
If you had sedation, you should not drive, make important decisions, or drink alcohol for the rest of the day.[5]
When You Get Home: Self-Care After Your Radiofrequency Neurotomy
When you’re back at home, recovery is usually simple but requires some self-care:
- Activity: Light walking is encouraged after the first day, but avoid heavy lifting or twisting until your doctor clears you [1]
- Medication: Continue your regular pain medications unless told otherwise. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with soreness [6]
- Incision care: Keep the injection site clean and dry. Remove the bandage after 24 hours unless instructed differently [3]
- Follow-up: Many clinics schedule a check-in after 1–2 weeks to monitor your progress.
What to Expect: Pain and Long-Term Recovery After Radiofrequency Ablation
Pain relief doesn’t always happen immediately. It’s not uncommon to experience discomfort for several days before the benefits take effect.[1] Some patients describe a gradual improvement, with the best results appearing within 2–3 weeks.[3]
Long-term outcomes vary by person. Many people experience reduced pain for 6–12 months, and some for even longer. However, nerves can regenerate over time, meaning your pain may return.[5] If that happens, the procedure can usually be repeated.
Remember: while radiofrequency neurotomy can provide significant relief, it’s not a cure for the underlying arthritis or degeneration. That’s why pairing the procedure with other pain management strategies, such as physical therapy, exercise, and medication, is so important.[3]
Continuing Pain Management Treatment After Your Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy can be a turning point in managing chronic spine-related pain, but the procedure is just one piece of the puzzle. To maintain your results, your pain management team may recommend ongoing therapies such as strengthening exercises, weight management, posture training, or other targeted treatments.[2]
The key takeaway: don’t stop your pain management plan just because you are feeling better. Staying connected with your care team ensures your relief lasts as long as possible and that you have options if your pain ever returns.
Resources:
- Kennedy D. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Procedure and Recovery. Spine-health [Internet]. Published April 23, 2019. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa-procedure-and-recovery
- Kenevan M. Long-lasting pain relief with radiofrequency ablation. Mayo Clinic Health System [Internet]. Published May 23, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/radiofrequency-ablation-pain-relief
- Radiofrequency Ablation for Pain Management. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation
- Funiciello M. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Spine-health [Internet]. Updated June 06, 2019. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/radiofrequency-ablation-rfa
- Singh H. Radiofrequency Ablation for Back and Neck Pain. Hospital for Special Surgery [Internet]. Published December 10, 2023. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/radiofrequency-ablation
- About Radiofrequency neurotomy. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Accessed August 23, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931
