A Facet Rhizotomy, also known as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-lasting relief from chronic back or neck pain caused by arthritis or joint degeneration. Unlike treatments that target the spinal nerves, this process focuses on the facet joints—the small connections between the vertebrae that allow the spine to bend and twist. During the procedure, a physician uses specialized needles to deliver radiofrequency energy (heat) to the medial branch nerves, which are the tiny nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the facet joints to the brain.

By creating a small thermal lesion on these nerves, the “pain circuit” is effectively interrupted, preventing the brain from registering the discomfort originating in the joints. The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure the heat is applied precisely to the correct nerve. Because the medial branch nerves do not control the muscles in the arms or legs, the procedure is considered very safe and can provide significant pain reduction for six months to a year or longer, often allowing patients to reduce their reliance on pain medication and return to more active lifestyles.