Advanced Treatment for Facet Joint Pain After Injury or Degeneration
If you’ve been dealing with chronic neck or back pain—especially after a car accident or failed conservative treatment—you might be experiencing facet joint pain, one of the most common but overlooked sources of spinal discomfort.
At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, we specialize in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide long-lasting pain relief by targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is an advanced interventional procedure that:
- Uses controlled heat to disable pain-transmitting nerves
- Targets nerves connected to facet joints in the spine
- Provides longer-lasting relief compared to injections alone
Unlike medications or temporary treatments, RFA addresses the pain pathway itself, making it an effective solution for chronic spine pain.
What Conditions Does RFA Treat?
RFA is most commonly used for:
Facet Joint Pain
- Neck pain (cervical spine)
- Mid-back pain (thoracic spine)
- Lower back pain (lumbar spine)
Post-Traumatic Pain (After Car Accidents)
- Whiplash-related neck pain
- Persistent back pain after injury
- Pain not improving with physical therapy
Degenerative Spine Conditions
- Arthritis of the spine
- Chronic mechanical back pain
- Recurrent flare-ups despite prior treatment
How Do You Know If You’re a Candidate?
Before RFA, we perform diagnostic medial branch blocks to confirm the source of pain.
If you experience significant temporary relief from these test injections, it strongly indicates that:
👉 The facet joints are the source of pain
👉 You are a good candidate for RFA
Why RFA Is Different from Other Treatments
Most treatments focus on managing symptoms. RFA is different because it:
- Targets the specific nerves causing pain
- Provides longer-lasting relief (6–12+ months)
- Reduces the need for repeated injections
- Helps patients return to normal activity
What to Expect During the RFA Procedure
RFA is performed using fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance) to ensure accuracy.
The procedure includes:
- Local anesthesia to numb the area
- Precise needle placement near the targeted nerve
- Controlled radiofrequency energy applied to the nerve
- Short recovery period
The entire process typically takes 30–60 minutes, and patients go home the same day.
Recovery & Results
Most patients experience:
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Gradual improvement over 1–3 weeks
- Significant pain relief lasting months or longer
Because nerves can regenerate over time, the procedure can be repeated if needed.
RFA After a Car Accident (Why It Matters)
For personal injury patients, RFA can be a critical step when:
- Pain persists despite therapy
- Imaging doesn fully explain symptoms
- Facet joint injury is suspected
Benefits in PI cases:
- Provides objective, evidence-based treatment
- Demonstrates progression of care
- Supports long-term recovery
We regularly treat patients from:
- Granada Hills
- Northridge
- Porter Ranch
- Sylmar
- North Hills
- Mission Hills
When Should You Consider RFA?
RFA benefits people with:
- Neck or back pain has lasted more than 2–3 months
- Pain improves temporarily with injections but returns
- Physical therapy hasn’t provided lasting relief
- Pain is localized (not primarily radiating down arms/legs)
- You want to avoid surgery
RFA vs. Injections: What’s the Difference?
Injections (like facet injections):
- Reduce inflammation
- Provide temporary relief
RFA:
- Interrupts pain signals
- Provides longer-lasting results
👉 Many patients progress from diagnostic injections → RFA for sustained relief.
Q&A: Radiofrequency Ablation
Q: Is RFA painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The area is numbed before treatment.
Q: How long does relief last?
Typically 6–12 months, sometimes longer.
Q: Is the procedure safe?
Yes. When performed with imaging guidance, RFA is a safe and well-established treatment.
Q: Can the pain come back?
Yes, nerves can regenerate over time—but the procedure can be repeated.
Q: Will I still need physical therapy?
Often yes. RFA works best as part of a comprehensive plan to restore function.
Don’t Settle for Temporary Relief
If you’re tired of short-term fixes and ongoing pain, it may be time for a more advanced solution.
At Modern Pain Solutions, we focus on precision diagnosis and long-lasting interventional treatments like RFA to help you get back to living fully.
📍 Modern Pain Solutions
10700 Balboa Blvd, Suite 102
Granada Hills, CA 91344
📞 (818) 826-4145
🌐 https://modernpainsolutions.com/
📅 Request Appointment: https://modernpainsolutions.com/appointments/
