This minimally invasive procedure uses heat from radio waves to target painful facet joints in the neck. By disrupting pain signals, it provides relief when medications or physical therapy aren’t enough.
During this minimally-invasive procedure, the physician uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. This procedure is also called radiofrequency rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn’t respond to medications or to physical therapy. This procedure uses heat from radio waves to treat painful facet joints in your neck. It eases pain that isn’t helped by medications or physical therapy.
A thin needle delivers radiofrequency energy to the medial branch nerves near facet joints.
Controlled heat disrupts pain signal transmission.
Many patients experience pain relief lasting six months or longer.
Usually completed in less than an hour.
Keeps you comfortable during the procedure.
Mild soreness may occur, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
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Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to create heat, targeting small nerves in the neck that carry pain signals from facet joints. By disrupting these signals, the treatment can help reduce chronic neck pain. It is often considered for patients who haven’t found relief with other conservative treatment options. (See related care like Medial Branch Block Cervical.)
The procedure works by applying controlled heat to the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints in your cervical spine. This heat interrupts the nerves’ ability to send pain signals, offering longer-lasting relief than injections alone. By specifically targeting these nerves, the treatment helps manage neck pain caused by irritated facet joints. (Learn more about similar procedures like Cervical Joint Injection.)
You may be a candidate if you have persistent neck pain linked to facet joints and experienced temporary relief from a medial branch block. That diagnostic injection helps confirm the nerves are the source before moving forward. This ensures radiofrequency neurotomy is directed at the right area for effective pain reduction. (See diagnostic options under Pain Management.)
Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy is performed in an outpatient setting. Using imaging guidance, the physician places small electrodes near the targeted nerves and delivers controlled heat. Because it is minimally invasive, patients usually return home the same day. Procedure time varies depending on how many nerves are treated, but most are completed efficiently. (See noninvasive care options like Laser Therapy.)
The goal of cervical radiofrequency neurotomy is to provide longer-lasting relief from neck pain compared to other injections. By stopping pain signals from facet joint nerves, many patients experience several months of reduced pain. This relief often improves mobility, function, and the ability to return to daily activities with less discomfort. (Learn about recovery support in Physical Therapy.)
The procedure is generally safe, but mild side effects may occur. Some patients experience soreness, swelling, or numbness near the treatment site, which usually resolves quickly. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed with imaging guidance by trained physicians. Overall, it is a well-tolerated and low-risk option for neck pain. (Explore alternative options like PRP Therapy.)
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