An introduction to relieving the pain of facet joint injuries with advanced ablation techniques

A happy woman after receiving treatment for facet joint ablation.

The Hemlock Pain Center uses advanced, energy-based technologies to non-surgically treat many common sources of pain so you can enjoy life again! Facet joint ablation represents one of many innovative services provided by Board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, Drs. Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta, and our expert clinical teams in Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Milledgeville, Georgia.

What do you mean by “facet joint ablation”?

Ablation refers to the treatment itself, which uses Radiofrequency energy (radio waves). The facet joints refer to what we actually treat with RF energy.

What are the facet joints?

These joints are located at the back of each of the spinal column bones (vertebrae). They support proper, fluid motions between two vertebrae.

Why would I need to treat these joints?

When the joint is injured or damaged, pain signals travel to the spinal cord and brain along medial branches or sensory nerves. The cartilage, capsule, or ligaments associated with the joint may be damaged. This injury and pain are also associated with muscle spasms. The way the pain manifests depends on the specific facet joint that is damaged; some people may experience persistent pain in the lower back. Others may experience chronic buttock pain.

How does treatment with RF ablation work?

The energy from the radio waves stops the medial branch nerves from sending pain signals from the injured joints to the brain.

How do I prepare for treatment?

Before your procedure, we must confirm that the pain is coming from the joint(s). We perform diagnostic injections or “medical branch blocks.” Using a local anesthetic, the injections are made to “test” if they provide good pain relief. That tells us whether or not the medial branch nerves are carrying the pain signals.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

The procedure will be performed with local anesthesia and, as needed, a relaxing sedative. A needle is also inserted through the skin and guided with an X-ray to the proper location or correct site of the medial branch. An electrode/small electric current is used to ensure the needle is close to the medical branch nerve, but not in close or unsafe proximity to other important nerves. Once the needle and electrode are in the right position, we deliver the RF energy to the nerve. It is heated in a controlled fashion until the nerve itself is damaged and not able to transmit pain signals to the brain.

A couple is running after receiving treatment for facet joint ablation.
A happy man after receiving treatment for facet joint ablation.

And what can I expect AFTER treatment?

Of course, no two patient experiences are alike. But, in general, the initial test injection relieves pain for up to 48 hours, while the actual ablation treatment can provide pain relief for six months to two years. Results are sustained until the nerves regrow.

In part, by reducing your pain, we hope you can return to healthy activities and targeted exercises that further strengthen your back and other affected areas. In doing so, we can restore healthy function. As a referral-based practice, we are happy to provide you with more information on how to get one big step closer to relief from facet joint injuries. Contact one of four convenient The Hemlock Pain Center locations today – in Macon, GA (478) 475-2385 Warner Robins (478) 997-6444 , Dublin (478) 800-3745 , or Milledgeville (478) 280-4670.