Nerve Ablations: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Nerve Ablations?
A pain medicine doctor, a doctor who treats long-lasting pain, often performs nerve ablation. Neurosurgeons, doctors who operate on the brain and spine, also treat chronic pain. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a procedure that uses radio waves to heat up and kill tissue. When used to treat pain, it targets and kills nerve tissue. This blocks the nerve from sending pain signals to the brain.
The sections below describe its use for long-lasting, or chronic, pain.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors use RFA for pain that does not improve with medicines or physical therapy. The pain can have several causes, including the following.
- Arthritis of the spine and the sacroiliac joint
- Arthritis in larger joints, such as the shoulder, hip, and knee
- Cancer
- Shingles infection (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Amputation
How to prepare
Always tell your provider what medicines you are taking. This includes supplements and herbal supplements you bought without a prescription. You may be asked to stop blood thinners, medicines that keep your blood from clotting, for a short time. Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and vitamin E are on that list. Ask your provider which medicines you may keep taking on the day of the procedure. Tell your provider if you have a bleeding disorder, an active infection, or allergies to local anesthesia.
What happens during it
You will lie on your stomach, back, or side. Your provider gives you a medicine through a vein to help you relax. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic. A hollow needle is inserted through the skin and guided with an x-ray or ultrasound to the correct site. A microelectrode is passed through the needle, and you will feel a tingling sensation. Once the needle and electrode are in place, you get more numbing medicine. Then radiofrequency current runs through the electrode, heating and destroying the nerve tissue. You will feel mild discomfort during this part. The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Recovery
After the procedure, you rest in a recovery room for about 30 minutes. You can eat, drink, and take your regular medicines afterward. Do not drive or do any vigorous activity for 24 hours. Do not bathe or shower for two days. You may go back to your normal activities the next day. You may have pain or some swelling where the needle went in, and a cold pack may help. Leg numbness can occur for a few hours after the procedure. Your usual discomfort may be mildly worse for 2 to 3 days. The procedure can give pain relief that may last up to 12 months and even longer.
Risks and side effects
Risks may include the following.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- A temporary increase in pain
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
A pain medicine doctor often performs nerve ablation. Neurosurgeons also treat pain in any area of the spine with heat, in a procedure called radiofrequency rhizotomy. The procedure can be done at your provider's office or a clinic.
Common questions
How long does pain relief from nerve ablation last?
Pain relief may last up to 12 months and even longer.
Does nerve ablation hurt?
You may feel mild discomfort while the nerve tissue is being heated. A local anesthetic numbs the area, and a sedative helps you relax. You will feel a tingling sensation when the electrode is placed.
What is radiofrequency rhizotomy?
Radiofrequency rhizotomy is a procedure that treats pain with heat. Neurosurgeons use it for pain in any area of the spine. They also use it for trigeminal neuralgia, a very painful kind of face pain.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons - How Neurosurgeons Treat Chronic Pain
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
