Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Neck Pain and Cervicogenic Headaches

As anyone with chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches knows, chronic pain and discomfort can take a significant toll on daily life. Fortunately, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers a highly effective next step for those who have tried conservative treatments without success for neck pain and headaches related to cervical facet joint arthritis or dysfunction.

RFA targets the sensory nerves called medial branches that transmit the pain signals coming from the facet joints and going to the brain. By disrupting these signals, RFA can provide months—and in some cases, even years—of relief from neck pain and associated headaches.

Are Cervicogenic Headaches Dangerous? Understanding Chronic Neck Pain and Cervicogenic Headaches

If you have persistent discomfort in the cervical spine region that’s lasted longer than three months, you likely have chronic neck pain. This condition can stem from various causes, including age-related degenerative changes, prior trauma or injury (such as whiplash), herniated discs, arthritis, dysfunction of the facet joints, or poor posture.

Some common symptoms of chronic neck pain include:

• Stiffness or limited range of motion in the neck
• Aching or sharp pain in the cervical spine
• Pain that worsens with certain movements or prolonged positions
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Pain radiating to the shoulders or upper back

Cervicogenic headaches originate from issues in the neck, particularly the upper cervical spine. Unlike migraines or tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches result from another physical source—typically joint arthritis or dysfunction, nerve irritation, or muscular strain in the neck.

Common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches:

• Head pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the front of the head or behind the eyes
• One-sided head pain (usually the same side as the neck issue)
• Neck stiffness or tenderness
• Worsening headache with neck movement or sustained posture
• Pain that may be accompanied by shoulder or upper back discomfort

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

When irritated or inflamed from joint degeneration or dysfunction, cervical spine facet joints are often responsible for chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches. Small sensory nerves innervate these joints. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces pain by interrupting these irritated nerve signals at their source.

To do this, RFA delivers precisely controlled heat generated by radio waves to the targeted nerves, specifically, the medial branch nerves that transmit pain from the cervical facet joints to the brain.

How RFA Helps with Neck Pain and Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervical facet joint arthritis—a common cause of chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches—occurs when the small joints in the neck become degenerated or inflamed due to wear and tear. This pain signal is carried by the medial branch nerves, transmitting ongoing pain signals from the neck to the brain.

Radiofrequency ablation works by targeting these medial branch nerves. By using heat generated by radio waves, RFA disrupts the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain, providing long-lasting relief from several months to sometimes years.

What to Expect from a Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation Procedure

Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient procedure typically completed in under an hour. After administering a local anesthetic, a thin needle is guided to the target area using fluoroscopy (live X-ray). A small electrode is inserted through the needle to deliver controlled heat to the medial branch nerves, effectively interrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.

Patients return home the same day with minimal downtime following radiofrequency nerve ablation. Some may experience mild soreness at the procedure site for a few days. After a few weeks to six weeks, most patients report significant pain relief and improvement in neck pain and cervicogenic headaches that can last several months to over a year.

Who Is a Candidate for RFA?

Not everyone is a strong candidate for radiofrequency ablation, so understanding the qualifications for candidacy is essential.

You may be a candidate for radiofrequency nerve ablation if:

• You have chronic neck pain lasting longer than 3 months
• Your pain is linked to cervical facet joint arthritis or dysfunction
• In some cases, you experience headaches that originate from or are worsened by neck movement
• Imaging studies point to facet joint involvement
• You’ve had temporary relief from a diagnostic medial branch nerve block
• Conservative treatments (medications, physical therapy, etc.) have not provided lasting relief
• You are seeking a non-surgical option to manage pain and improve function
• You are in overall good health and able to undergo a minimally invasive procedure

A Long-Term Solution for Persistent Neck Pain

If you’re struggling with chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headaches that haven’t improved with conservative care, radiofrequency ablation may offer the long-lasting relief you’ve been seeking. By safely targeting the nerves responsible for transmitting pain, RFA can help restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life without surgery.

Take the next step toward living pain-free. Schedule a consultation with one of the board-certified physiatrists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians today to learn if RFA is right for you.