Radiofrequency Ablation and Nerve Blocks: How They Work for Persistent Pain
November 25, 2025
Persistent pain can interfere with your work, movement, sleep, and overall quality of life. When conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes aren’t enough, interventional pain procedures such as nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may offer targeted, lasting relief. These minimally invasive options interrupt pain signals at their source and can help patients regain mobility and reduce reliance on medications.
Below, we break down how radiofrequency ablation and nerve blocks work, what conditions they treat, and what you can expect from each procedure.
What Are Nerve Blocks?
A nerve block is an injection designed to interrupt pain signals traveling from a specific nerve or group of nerves to the brain. These injections can diagnose the source of pain, provide temporary relief, or prepare a patient for longer-lasting procedures like RFA.
How Nerve Blocks Work
- Local anesthetic to numb the targeted nerve
- Corticosteroid (optional) to reduce inflammation
- Image guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) for precision
When the anesthetic is injected around an irritated or inflamed nerve, pain signals are temporarily blocked — often bringing rapid relief.
Conditions Treated with Nerve Blocks
- Neck and back pain
- Sciatica
- Facet joint pain
- Chronic headaches or occipital neuralgia
- Knee, hip, or shoulder pain
- Neuropathic pain
- Post-surgical pain
How Long Relief Lasts
Relief may last hours to weeks, depending on the ingredients and the underlying condition.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses thermal energy to interrupt pain signals for a longer period. RFA is typically performed after a successful diagnostic nerve block confirms that a specific nerve is contributing to the pain.
How RFA Works
- A specialized needle is guided to the target nerve.
- A radiofrequency current heats the nerve tissue.
- The heat creates a small lesion that stops pain signals from traveling.
Conditions Treated with RFA
- Facet joint pain (neck or low back)
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Knee osteoarthritis pain
- Occipital neuralgia
- Certain types of nerve compression
How Long Relief Lasts
Most patients experience relief for 6–18 months, and sometimes longer.
Nerve Blocks vs. RFA: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Nerve Block | RFA |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Diagnostic or short-term relief | Long-term relief |
| Duration | Hours–weeks | Months–over a year |
| Procedure Time | 10–20 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Onset of Relief | Immediate | Gradual (1–3 weeks) |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive injection | Minimally invasive with thermal lesioning |
Benefits of Nerve Blocks and RFA
- Targeted pain relief without systemic medications
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Quick recovery
- Improved mobility and function
- Reduced inflammation
- Option for repeat treatment
Are These Procedures Right for You?
You may be a candidate if:
- You’ve had chronic pain for over three months
- Conservative treatments have not provided enough relief
- Your pain originates from a specific nerve or joint
- You want a minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- You’re trying to reduce reliance on pain medications
A pain specialist can evaluate your condition and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Radiofrequency ablation and nerve blocks are powerful tools for managing persistent pain at its source. Whether you need short-term relief or a longer-lasting solution, these procedures can help restore function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.
If you’re experiencing ongoing neck, back, joint, or nerve pain, a pain specialist can help determine whether a nerve block, RFA, or another interventional treatment is right for you.