Radio-Frequency Ablation Treatment of Chronic Neck and Low Back Pain Attributable to Facet Joints

Spine pain is a major cause of disability for which conservative treatment strategies are not universally effective. Radio-frequency ablation of nerves supplying the zygapophysial joints should be considered in selected patients for whom routine treatments do not provide acceptable relief. Following a brief discussion of the principles of radio-frequency therapy, we describe the relevant anatomy, appropriate patient selection, and basic procedural techniques for ablative therapies of the cervical and lumbar zygapophysial joints.

Learning Objectives: Understand the anatomy, indications, and techniques for radio-frequency ablative treatment of cervical and lumbar zygapophysial joint pain.