Cervical & Lumbar
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
A proven, outpatient procedure for long-lasting relief from chronic neck and lower back pain—without surgery, without extended downtime.
Board Certified
Neurosurgeon
15+ Years
Experience
5000+
Procedures Performed
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
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What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat pain coming from the joints in your spine, often after confirming the source of pain with medial branch block injections. It is commonly used for chronic neck or lower back pain caused by arthritis or wear and tear.
During the procedure, heat generated by a specialized needle is used to interrupt the small nerves that carry pain signals from the joints. It is performed using live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) for accuracy and safety.
This is not surgery. RFA is done as an outpatient procedure. You will not feel the needle, as this is completed under light anesthesia. The goal is to provide longer-lasting pain relief — often for several months and sometimes permanently. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and you go home the same day. Patients typically return to work the next day following the procedure.
30 Minutes
Same Day Procedure
General Anesthesia
2-6 Weeks Recovery
How the Procedure Works
Radiofrequency ablation uses carefully controlled thermal energy to disrupt the medial branch nerves — the small sensory nerves responsible for transmitting facet joint pain signals to your brain. Once these nerve pathways are interrupted, the pain signal is blocked.
01
Positioning & prep
You are comfortably positioned and light anesthesia is administered so you feel no discomfort during the procedure.
02
Fluoroscopic guidance
Live X-ray imaging guides precise needle placement along the targeted medial branch nerves.
03
Nerve mapping
A small electrical current confirms correct needle placement before the ablation begins.
04
Radiofrequency ablation
Controlled heat is delivered through the needle tip to interrupt the pain-carrying nerve fibers.
05
Recovery
You rest briefly in our recovery area and go home the same day — typically within a few hours.
06
Back to your life
Most patients return to work and normal daily activities the very next day.
Ready to Live With Less Pain?
Our spine specialists at Capital Spine Institute are ready to help you find lasting relief.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
RFA is most effective for patients who have already shown a positive response to medial branch block injections, confirming that facet joint nerves are the true source of pain. Our specialists at Capital Spine Institute perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether RFA is the right next step for you.
Chronic neck pain
Cervical facet arthritis, whiplash-related pain, or age-related degeneration causing persistent neck and upper back discomfort.
Chronic lower back pain
Lumbar facet syndrome, degenerative disc-related joint pain, or wear-and-tear arthritis in the lumbar spine.
Confirmed diagnosis
Patients who experienced at least 50–80% temporary relief from prior medial branch block injections.
Conservative care not enough
Those who have tried physical therapy, medications, or other treatments without achieving satisfactory relief.
Benefits of RFA at Capital Spine Institute
Long-lasting relief
Pain relief typically lasts several months to over a year. In some patients, relief may be permanent or significantly prolonged.
No surgery required
RFA is a minimally invasive, non-surgical outpatient procedure with no hospital stay needed.
Quick recovery
Most patients return to normal activity including work within 24 hours of the procedure.
Precision guided
Live fluoroscopic X-ray imaging ensures the needle is placed with expert accuracy for both safety and results.
No general anesthesia
Light sedation keeps you comfortable without the risks and recovery of general anesthesia.
Repeatable if needed
If nerves regenerate over time and pain returns, the procedure can often be safely repeated.
What to Expect: Before, During & After
Before the procedure
You will receive detailed preparation instructions, including any fasting requirements if sedation is used. Arrange for someone to drive you home. Our team will review your medial branch block results and confirm your treatment plan.
During the procedure (~15 minutes)
You will be comfortably positioned on the procedure table. Light anesthesia is administered so you feel no pain. Fluoroscopic guidance is used throughout to ensure precise, safe needle placement at the targeted nerve levels.
Immediately after
You will rest briefly in our recovery area. Mild soreness or warmth at the injection site is normal for a few days. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient.
Days 1–7
Most patients return to work the next day. Some mild procedural soreness may linger for a few days — this is normal and resolves on its own. Pain relief from the ablation itself typically begins within 1–3 weeks as the nerve response settles.
Weeks 2–4 and beyond
The full benefit of RFA is usually experienced by 3–6 weeks post-procedure. Relief commonly lasts 6–18 months and can be permanent in some patients. Should pain return, your physician will evaluate you for a repeat procedure if appropriate.
What to expect week by week
Recovery varies, but here's how most patients progress.
Same Day
Go home. Rest.
Procedure done. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Skip driving — you'll need a ride.
24–48 Hours
Soreness fades.
Site soreness clears in a day or two. Some patients notice early pain improvement starting here.
1 Week
You should feel a difference.
Most patients see a meaningful reduction in neck and arm pain as the steroid reaches full effect.
Weeks–Months
Continued improvement.
Relief can last weeks to months. A second injection or PT can extend it further if needed.
Expert Spine Surgeon
Dr. Avery L. Buchholz is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery. With over 15 years of experience and 5,000+ procedures performed, he specializes in both minimally invasive and complex surgical techniques.
His expertise spans the full spectrum of spine care, from non-surgical interventions to advanced reconstructive procedures, always prioritizing patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our practice and procedures
Is radiofrequency ablation painful?
No. The procedure is performed under light anesthesia, so you will not feel the needle. You may experience mild soreness at the treatment site for a few days afterward, which is normal and manageable with ice and over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does pain relief last after RFA?
Pain relief from radiofrequency ablation typically lasts several months to over a year, and in some patients the relief can be permanent. Duration varies based on individual factors including nerve regeneration rate and the extent of underlying joint degeneration.
Do I need to confirm my diagnosis before RFA?
Yes. RFA is most effective when the source of pain has been confirmed through medial branch block injections. If those injections provided significant temporary relief, it confirms the facet joints are the pain source — making you a strong candidate for RFA.
Can I return to work the next day?
Most patients return to work the day after the procedure. Because RFA is outpatient and requires only light anesthesia, recovery is typically very quick. Your physician will provide personalized guidance based on your job type and specific treatment.
Can RFA be repeated if pain comes back?
Yes. If the nerves regenerate over time and pain returns, the procedure can often be safely repeated. Many patients undergo repeat RFA with excellent ongoing results. Your Capital Spine Institute provider will evaluate your response and recommend the best timing for any repeat treatment.
Is RFA covered by insurance?
Radiofrequency ablation is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, when performed after documented medial branch block injections confirm the diagnosis. Our team will verify your benefits and walk you through your coverage before your procedure.
Our Locations
Serving patients across VA and the DC area
Falls Church, VA
6400 Arlington Blvd, Suite 710
Open
Alexandria, VA
6244A Little River Turnpike
Open
Richmond, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Charlottesville, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Washington, DC
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
Address
6244 Little River Turnpike, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22312
Phone
FAX
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
This form is intended for scheduling purposes only and is not a HIPAA-compliant form. Please avoid sharing any sensitive medical information.
By submitting, you consent to being contacted using the information provided.
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