Back pain is the number one reason patients come to Red Butte Pain Solutions. One common source is lumbar facet arthropathy, also called facet joint arthropathy, a condition caused by wear-and-tear changes in the small joints at the back of the spine. These joints, called facet joints, can become arthritic and inflamed over time, especially with age or prior spine injury. The result is stiffness, aching, and back pain with twisting or arching the back.
Fortunately, there’s an effective treatment that doesn’t require surgery: radiofrequency ablation.
What Is Lumbar Facet Arthropathy?
Lumbar facet arthropathy refers to degeneration or arthritis of the facet joints in the lower back. This condition is especially common in older adults and individuals with prior trauma or surgery. Facet joint pain usually presents as:
- Aching low back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing or twisting
- Morning stiffness
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks (but not past the knees)
Unfortunately, imaging (like X-rays or MRIs) often shows arthritis in these joints even in people without symptoms. That’s why we use diagnostic medial branch blocks to confirm whether the pain is coming from the facet joints.
When Conservative Measures Aren’t Enough
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we always begin with conservative care such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes. But when back pain persists, diagnostic injections help identify the pain source. If these injections relieve the pain, we can confirm that the facet joint pain is the likely cause.
Once confirmed, the next step is often radiofrequency ablation.
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated by radio waves to target the small nerves (medial branch nerves) that carry pain signals from the facet joints. By applying precisely controlled heat to these nerves, RFA can interrupt pain signals for months.
The procedure is typically done using local anesthetic and light sedation. Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, a thin probe is placed near the target nerve. After confirming correct placement, a brief lesion is applied, lasting 60–90 seconds per nerve. Most patients go home the same day.
How Well Does It Work?
Radiofrequency ablation is backed by strong evidence. A 2024 network meta-analysis of 25 clinical trials confirmed that RFA provides superior pain relief compared to sham treatments, steroid injections, or physical therapy. It remained superior to non-interventional treatments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure.
One key study showed that 70% of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in pain at 3 months.
Additional findings include:
- Pain relief duration: On average, relief lasts 6 to 15 months.
- Repeatability: RFA can be repeated with similar success if pain returns.
- Functional improvement: 83% of patients report improved mobility and reduced disability.
A 2023 study by McCormick and colleagues showed cooled RFA was more effective than corticosteroid injections. Patients had greater pain relief, better function, and higher satisfaction.
A 2022 trial of older adults found RFA more beneficial than conservative care. Seniors, in fact, often saw even better outcomes than younger patients.
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of patients find lasting relief from facet joint pain through this approach.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for Me?
We recommend RFA for patients who:
- Have had chronic low back pain for more than 3 months
- Feel worse with arching or twisting the back
- Have not found relief with conservative treatments
- Experience relief from a diagnostic medial branch block
We usually perform a single diagnostic block and proceed with RFA if the patient experiences at least 50% pain relief. This method avoids unnecessary delays while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Functional improvement after the block also supports moving forward with radiofrequency ablation.
What If I’m Older or Have Other Conditions?
Radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective in older adults. In fact, some research shows seniors may experience greater benefits. We carefully screen all patients for conditions such as bleeding disorders, infections, or other spinal issues that may require different treatment.
How Long Does the Relief Last?
Most patients experience relief for 6 to 15 months. If pain returns, RFA can be repeated with similar success.
One study showed a median pain relief duration of 15 months after the first RFA. For repeat procedures, relief lasted around 13 months.
Guidelines Support RFA
National guidelines from the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs endorse radiofrequency ablation for treating facet joint pain. These guidelines recommend:
- Medial branch diagnostic blocks to confirm pain source
- A 50% or greater pain relief threshold to qualify for RFA
- A trial of conservative care before the procedure
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we follow these evidence-based standards while customizing care for each patient.
A Real Story of Relief
One of our patients, a 66-year-old woman from Mesa, had worsening stiffness and pain for years. Physical therapy helped temporarily, but the pain returned with prolonged standing. After a diagnostic medial branch block gave her 80% relief, she underwent radiofrequency ablation and experienced a dramatic improvement. She can now garden again—something she hadn’t done in years.
Why Choose Red Butte Pain Solutions for RFA?
We’ve performed thousands of radiofrequency ablation procedures for patients from Chandler, Ahwatukee, Maricopa, Tempe, Sun Lakes, Mesa, Gilbert, Laveen, and Casa Grande. Our experience, precision, and patient-focused approach ensure a smooth recovery and long-lasting results.
If you’ve been living with chronic back pain and nothing else has worked, radiofrequency ablation may be your path to relief.
Call Red Butte Pain Solutions today at 602-633-4334 or Schedule now to see if radiofrequency ablation is right for your back pain.
We proudly serve Chandler, Ahwatukee, Maricopa, Tempe, Sun Lakes, Mesa, Casa Grande, Laveen, and Gilbert.