When chronic spine pain begins interfering with your quality of life—limiting your ability to move, sleep, or perform everyday tasks—finding an effective, lasting treatment is a top priority. For many patients, especially those with conditions like facet joint arthritis or chronic low back and neck pain, one of the most effective minimally invasive options is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) offered by a Nadora Healthcare spine specialist.
If you’re looking for an experienced spine specialist, the team at Nadora Healthcare is uniquely qualified to provide this advanced treatment. With Colorado’s only Spine Center of Excellence, and care led by board-certified and fellowship-trained experts, Nadora Healthcare is setting the standard for spine care throughout the region.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to interrupt pain signals coming from specific nerves in the spine. It’s most commonly used to treat:
- Facet joint pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine
- Chronic neck or lower back pain not responding to other therapies
- Pain from spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
- Sacroiliac joint pain
The goal of RFA is to provide long-term relief by “shutting off” the nerve’s ability to transmit pain, without removing any tissue or disrupting the spine’s anatomy.
How It Works
The procedure is typically performed under mild sedation. A spine specialist uses fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging) to guide a thin, specialized needle to the area near the targeted spinal nerve. Once the correct position is confirmed, a radiofrequency current is passed through the needle to heat the nerve, rendering it temporarily inactive.
The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and patients usually go home the same day. Many experience significant pain relief within 1–3 weeks, and relief can last 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the condition and individual response.
Meet The Nadora Healthcare Spine Specialist
At Nadora Healthcare, spine procedures like RFA are performed by:
- Dr. Scott Dhupar – A board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, recognized for his expertise in advanced, evidence-based spine treatments.
- Dr. K. Soraya Heidari – A fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon specializing in both surgical and non-surgical interventions for a wide range of spine conditions.
Together, they offer individualized care grounded in advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive techniques.
Who Is a Candidate for RFA?
Not all spine pain qualifies for radiofrequency ablation, which is why evaluation by a qualified spine specialist is critical. Ideal candidates typically include:
- Patients with chronic neck or back pain linked to arthritic joints or nerve irritation
- Individuals who have experienced pain relief from a diagnostic nerve block, indicating that the nerve is the pain source
- Patients seeking an alternative to spine surgery
- Those unable or unwilling to take long-term pain medications
RFA is not used for herniated discs or conditions requiring mechanical stabilization, but it can be part of a broader pain management strategy.
Benefits of Choosing a Spine Specialist at Nadora Healthcare
Patients choose Nadora Healthcare for their spine care for several key reasons:
- Specialist-Level Precision – Dr. Dhupar and Dr. Heidari are not generalists—they are dedicated spine surgeons with specialized training in both conservative and surgical care.
- Minimally Invasive Focus – Whenever possible, our specialists use techniques like RFA to avoid surgery and reduce recovery time.
- State-of-the-Art Imaging and Technology – Fluoroscopy-guided procedures ensure accuracy and safety.
- Continuity of Care – From consultation through post-procedure follow-up, patients stay under the care of the same spine specialist throughout their journey.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Most patients return to normal activities within 24–72 hours. Soreness at the injection site may last a few days, but this is temporary. Once the treated nerve stops transmitting pain signals, many patients report a dramatic improvement in mobility and reduction in discomfort.
Relief can last from several months to over a year. If the nerve regenerates and pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated.
Schedule a Consultation with a Spine Specialist Today
If you’re struggling with persistent back or neck pain and want to explore non-surgical solutions, a spine specialist at Nadora Healthcare can help. Radiofrequency ablation may be the key to getting your pain under control—without undergoing major surgery.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Dhupar or Dr. Soraya Heidari today, and take the first step toward lasting relief.
