What Is Radiofrequency Ablation and How Does It Relieve Personal Injury Pain?

Treatment Highlight / Thu, 03/12/2026 - 23:11

If you've been living with chronic neck or back pain following a car accident or personal injury, radiofrequency ablation may be one of the most effective treatment options available to you. Here's what it is, how it works, and what personal injury patients in Arizona can expect.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to disrupt the nerve signals responsible for transmitting pain. By targeting the specific nerves causing your pain, RFA can provide significant and long-lasting relief — often for months or even years.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

During the procedure, a physician inserts a thin needle near the affected nerve under imaging guidance. A radiofrequency current is then passed through the needle, generating heat that essentially deactivates the nerve's ability to send pain signals to the brain. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than an hour.

What Conditions Does RFA Treat After a Car Accident?

Radiofrequency ablation is particularly effective for pain originating from the facet joints of the spine — small joints that can be injured or inflamed following the impact of a car accident. It is commonly used to treat:

Chronic neck pain after whiplash
Facet joint pain in the cervical or lumbar spine
Persistent back pain that hasn't responded to other treatments
Radiating pain caused by nerve irritation

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

RFA is typically recommended for patients who have had temporary relief from diagnostic nerve blocks but need a longer-lasting solution. Your pain management physician will evaluate your specific injuries, imaging results, and treatment history to determine whether RFA is appropriate for your case.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Some patients experience temporary soreness at the injection site following RFA. Most notice meaningful pain reduction within one to three weeks as the nerve fully responds to treatment. The duration of relief varies by patient, but many experience significant improvement for six months to two years or more.

Radiofrequency Ablation at Innovative Injury Solutions

Innovative Injury Solutions offers radiofrequency ablation as part of a comprehensive pain management program for personal injury and auto accident patients across Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, and Tucson, Arizona.

For qualified personal injury cases, treatment is typically provided at no out-of-pocket cost on a medical lien basis. Call us at (480) 573-0414 or contact your nearest location to schedule a consultation.