Radiofrequency Ablation for Facet Joint Back Pain: What Long Beach Patients Should Know

For many people in Long Beach, low back pain is an ache that flares after a long shift or a day of lifting, settles down, and comes back. When that cycle has gone on for months, one possible source is the facet joints.

The facet joints are small paired joints along the back of the spine that can be affected by arthritis and wear. Facet-related back pain often feels like a deep ache that is worse when standing, leaning back, or twisting, sometimes spreading into the buttocks or upper thighs. Disc problems and SI joint dysfunction can feel similar, so a proper diagnosis matters first.

A facet joint injection may be considered to help diagnose or treat facet-related pain. A medial branch block can help determine whether the nerves supplying the facet joints are contributing to the pain. If a patient gets meaningful but temporary relief from a medial branch block, radiofrequency ablation may be discussed. RFA uses heat from radio waves, delivered through a needle under imaging guidance, to interrupt the targeted nerves' pain signals. It is an outpatient procedure that doesn't involve surgery. How long relief lasts varies, and some patients do not experience significant benefit.

RFA isn't appropriate for every patient. It carries risks to review with a physician.

If back pain comes with new loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty urinating, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or severe or worsening leg weakness, seek emergency medical care immediately. Fever or pain after a significant fall or accident also warrants prompt medical assessment.

Long Beach patients can schedule a consultation at the clinic's Long Beach location, or call (833) 476-7377. The same care is also available at Integrative Sports & Spine's Riverside, Alhambra, and City of Industry locations.

Integrative Sports & Spine Locations

Long Beach Clinic: 2650 Elm Ave, Ste 210, Long Beach, CA 90806
Riverside Clinic: 3975 Jackson St, Ste 201, Riverside, CA 92503
Alhambra Clinic: 925 S Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801
City of Industry Clinic: 18605 E. Gale Ave, Ste 222, City of Industry, CA 91748

Phone: (833) 476-7377
Website: https://www.integrativesportsandspine.com/
Email: contact@issrehab.com