Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation, sometimes referred to as radiofrequency nerve ablation or radiofrequency neurotomy, is a procedure that uses thermal energy generated by radio waves to disrupt pain-transmitting nerves. During the RFA procedure, a specialized needle is carefully guided to the targeted nerve using fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging. Heat generated through radiofrequency energy calms the targeted nerve, reducing its ability to send pain signals to the brain.

Dr. Edward Shen is a Harvard-educated, double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and serves as Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. He performs radiofrequency ablation using live image guidance (fluoroscopy and ultrasound) so the heated probe reaches the precise pain-transmitting nerve with accuracy and safety.

Conditions Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is frequently used to treat chronic pain conditions involving the spine, joints, and peripheral nerves. Common conditions treated with an RFA procedure include:

• Chronic low back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Facet joint arthritis
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
• Degenerative joint disease
• Arthritis-related spine pain
• Cervical facet pain
• Lumbar facet syndrome
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Peripheral nerve pain
• Chronic pain after injury or surgery

RFA is especially effective for pain originating from inflamed or arthritic facet joints in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

Benefits of an RFA Procedure

Radiofrequency ablation offers several important advantages for patients suffering from chronic pain:

• Long-Lasting Pain Relief
• Minimally Invasive Treatment
• Improved Mobility and Function
• Reduced Dependence on Pain Medication
• Outpatient Procedure
• Delays or Avoids Surgery

Orthopedic Care for Chronic Spine & Joint Pain

Radiofrequency ablation is part of the orthopedic and interventional pain care offered at Spine and Pain Specialty Care. After a diagnostic nerve block confirms which nerves are sending your pain signals, Dr. Shen targets those nerves directly using live image guidance, all within our dedicated in-office procedure suite. For most patients, a single treatment provides lasting relief, and many find that their pain resolves completely.

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Right for You?

You may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you:

• Have chronic neck or back pain lasting several months
• Experience arthritis-related spine pain
• Received temporary relief from diagnostic nerve blocks
• Have pain that has not improved with medication or physical therapy
• Want a non-surgical pain treatment option

Our experienced team carefully evaluates every patient to determine whether radiofrequency nerve ablation is the most appropriate treatment approach.

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Espanol – our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If chronic pain is limiting your daily life, radiofrequency ablation may provide the long-lasting relief you have been searching for.

Contact Spine and Pain Specialty Care today to schedule an evaluation with a trusted pain management doctor near you. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases. Call (908) 818-1600 to learn whether an RFA procedure may be right for your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis – including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging – on the same day. Because radiofrequency ablation is typically performed after a diagnostic nerve block confirms the source of your pain, the RFA itself may be scheduled as a short follow-up once that source is confirmed.

How long does relief from radiofrequency ablation last?

There’s no single answer – relief is highly individual. Most patients experience lasting relief and many have a complete resolution of their pain. Because RFA can be safely repeated, it remains an option if symptoms return.

What does radiofrequency ablation feel like?

Most patients feel only mild pressure. Dr. Shen numbs the area first and uses live image guidance for a precise, comfortable procedure performed in our dedicated in-office procedure suite. For patients who prefer it, we offer sedation to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

RFA is often recommended for chronic facet or arthritis-related spine pain, especially when a diagnostic nerve block has already given you temporary relief. Dr. Shen reviews your history and imaging to confirm whether RFA is the right next step.

Do you treat chronic pain from a car accident or work injury?

Yes. Dr. Shen regularly treats neck, back, and joint pain from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation, handling the documentation these claims require.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: Facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint pain, chronic neck and back pain, degenerative joint disease, and arthritis-related spine pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol)
Phone: (908) 818-1600