I Have Neck Pain: Can Radiofrequency Ablation Help?
Sep 19, 2025
If you’ve been living with neck pain, you know how much it can interfere with your day. Whether it’s hard to turn your head, sleep comfortably, or sit at your desk, chronic pain can take a toll. You may have tried medications, physical therapy, or even injections, but the discomfort still lingers.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offers another path forward. This treatment targets specific nerves to reduce pain and has helped many people who thought they had run out of options. At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, board-certified pain management specialist Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, takes the time to explain your choices and answer all your questions.
Let’s explore what RFA is, how it works, and whether it could be the right next step for you.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to interrupt pain signals. Dr. Arora uses a thin needle to deliver a small electrical current to the nerve tissue causing the problem. The heat disables the nerve’s ability to send pain messages to your brain.
The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which means most people usually go home the same day. Many people feel relief within a couple of weeks. The results can last for months, and in some cases, even longer.
Neck pain can have many causes. For some people, it’s arthritis. For others, it comes from years of slouching at a desk, an old injury, or the normal changes that happen as we age. The small joints in your neck, called facet joints, can get irritated or swollen and send pain into your shoulders, upper back, or even your arms.
When these joints stay stiff and sore, everyday movements like looking over your shoulder or tilting your head become uncomfortable. If treatments such as medication or physical therapy aren’t helping, focusing on the nerves around these joints may offer relief.
Radiofrequency ablation isn’t for everyone, but it can be a good option if you have chronic neck pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. Dr. Arora often recommends trying other therapies first, like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections.
Before moving forward with RFA, Dr. Arora may perform a diagnostic nerve block. It involves injecting a small amount of numbing medicine near the suspected pain-causing nerves. If your pain improves after the injection, it’s a good sign that RFA might help you.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be awake but relaxed. Most people receive a mild sedative to help them stay comfortable. Dr. Arora uses imaging guidance, such as X-ray or ultrasound, to find the right spot. Then, a small needle is inserted near the targeted nerve.
Once the needle is in place, he sends a controlled electrical current to heat the nerve. It only takes a few minutes. You may feel a bit of pressure or warmth, but most people tolerate the procedure well.
After it’s done, you’ll rest briefly before going home. Some people experience mild soreness for a few days, but it usually resolves quickly.
If your neck pain keeps coming back and nothing else has worked, RFA could be worth discussing with Dr. Arora. It isn’t a cure, but it can make daily life more manageable. The goal is to reduce pain enough so you can stay active and enjoy your routine again.
Call the office or book an appointment online today to discuss all your options.