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Los Angeles Orthopedic
Pain management procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) long-lasting pain relief

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to temporarily disable nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic spine joints — relief typically lasts 6–12 months and can be repeated when needed. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.

Radiofrequency Ablation performed by LAOSS specialists in Los Angeles — minimally invasive image-guided orthopedic procedure
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Conservative-first care, surgery only when it's the right call.

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Key takeaways
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is part of the full diagnostic and treatment toolkit our LAOSS specialists use every day.
  • Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to temporarily disable nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic spine joints — relief typically lasts 6–12 months and can be repeated when needed.
  • Most patients improve when treatment starts early and is matched to the actual diagnosis.
  • Same-day appointments available across eight Los Angeles–area offices.
Overview

About radiofrequency ablation (rfa)

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is part of the comprehensive spine & neck care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this procedure, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Patient education

Watch: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain

This simple procedure treats chronic pain. It involves heating part of a nerve to block its pain signals. Radiofrequency ablation can give you long-term pain relief.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive

Anatomical illustration of the spine showing vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and spinal cord
Anatomy of the spine — vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
Anatomy

Inside the spine & neck.

The spine has 33 vertebrae stacked in five regions. Discs cushion them; the spinal cord and nerve roots run through the canal.

When this procedure helps

When radiofrequency ablation (rfa) is the right call.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Chronic spine & neck pain that hasn't responded to first-line care
  • Imaging confirming a structural cause we can target
  • Diagnostic injection or block that produced meaningful relief
  • Patients trying to avoid or delay surgery
  • Failed prior non-surgical attempts
Causes

Common causes

  • Adults of all ages with chronic, well-localized pain
  • Patients whose imaging and exam point to a clear structural source
  • Patients who can't have or want to avoid surgery
What to expect

What radiofrequency ablation (rfa) looks like

Most radiofrequency ablation (rfa) procedures are done as outpatient cases. You arrive, get prepped, the procedure itself takes a defined window, and you go home the same day with clear post-procedure instructions and a follow-up scheduled.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Pre-procedure visit — we review your imaging, confirm candidacy, and answer every question
  • Day-of procedure — light sedation when needed, image guidance throughout, total time usually 30–60 minutes
  • Same-day discharge — most patients head home within an hour of the procedure
  • Follow-up — scheduled to track relief, adjust the plan, and decide on next steps
Treatment options

Spine & neck care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits — and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical therapy & core stabilization
  • Image-guided epidural steroid injections
  • Facet joint or medial branch blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Chiropractic care & acupuncture
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Microdiscectomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Cervical or lumbar spinal fusion
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Spinal cord stimulation
Surgeon expertise

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Spine & neck care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our spine & neck specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a spine & neck specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this procedure being a good fit.

  • Persistent spine & neck pain that hasn't responded to PT, injections, or activity modification
  • Imaging confirming the structural source we can target
  • A diagnostic block or trial that gave you meaningful relief
  • You're not ready or able to have surgery
  • You want to delay or avoid joint replacement
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).
Recovery

Your spine & neck recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

01Days 0–14

Right after care

In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the spine & neck, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

  • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
  • Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
  • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
  • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8

Rehabilitation

Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the spine & neck.

  • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
  • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
  • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
  • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+

Long-term care

Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.

  • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
  • Home program tailored to your sport or job
  • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
  • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Spine & neck-specific considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the spine & neck. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team

Meet our spine & neck specialists

At LAOSS, our spine & neck specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive techniques to comprehensive rehab coordination, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.

About this care

Reliable radiofrequency ablation (rfa) care starts here

At LAOSS, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, you'll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.

Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted spine & neck specialist in Los Angeles.

Patient reviews

What patients say about us.

★★★★★4.97,500+ Google reviews
Dr. Cyran was wonderful with my niece's knee. Patient, kind, and explained the imaging in a way both of us could understand. So grateful.
Stephanie Reyes
Eagle Rock, CA · 12 May 2025
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Common questions

FAQ.

  • The right candidate depends on your diagnosis, prior treatments, and goals. We start with a focused orthopedic exam and review your imaging — and your specialist explains whether radiofrequency ablation (rfa) is the best next step or whether a different approach makes more sense.
  • We accept most major PPO and HMO plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan and diagnosis — our team verifies coverage before scheduling so there are no surprises. Self-pay pricing is available for patients without insurance.
  • Same-day appointments are available for acute injuries. Routine evaluations are typically within the week at any of our eight LA-area offices.
  • If you have a PPO plan, no referral is needed — book directly with any of our specialists. HMO plans require a referral from your PCP. If you are unsure, call us at (323) 264-7600 and our team will walk you through it.
Ready when you are

Find out if radiofrequency ablation (rfa) is right for you.

Same-day and next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices. Book a visit and meet your specialist.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
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