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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

RFA is a well-established, drug-free pain management solution that is clinically proven to provide safe, effective relief from pain.

Diagram of a person showing key pain areas on the body: neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, hips, knees, legs, feet, and S.I. joint.

Is RFA right for me?

Radiofrequency ablation can target pain in multiple parts of your body. If you have pain in more than one area, your doctor can address them all in a single treatment.

  • Neck
  • Shoulder
  • Back
  • Lower back
  • Hips
  • S.I. joint
  • Leg
  • Knee
  • Foot

A pain management specialist can tell you if RFA therapy may be right for you. See the complete RFA indications and contraindications.

Take the assessment

See if Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you

Answer a few questions about your symptoms. It should take less than five minutes, and you’ll get information about solutions that might work for you.

Get started

Have you been suffering from pain for more than 6 months?

How does RFA work?

RFA is a simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure. Your pain specialist uses radio waves to disable nerves transmitting pain signals, effectively interrupting those signals at their source.

A diagram of a spine showing a highlighted area in red, and a probe going into a nerve.

Target the nerve

X-ray or ultrasound imaging helps guide a special probe to the target nerve. Electrodes stimulate nerves near the area to help determine the optimal treatment locations.

Disable the nerve

The electrodes then send a small radiofrequency current into the surrounding tissue. This heats the tissue and disables the nerve, so it stops sending pain signals.

Illustration of a human body with highlighted nerve pathways and the SCS device near the lower back.

Repeat for multiple pain areas

Generally, one to four nerves are targeted in a single procedure, depending on the area of pain being treated, to maximize pain relief.

See how RFA works

Watch this short, animated video to find out more about how RFA works and how it might help you find relief. 

What to expect from RFA

As an outpatient procedure, RFA is a safe and minimally invasive way to treat certain types of pain. Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after RFA.

A healthcare provider in a white coat chats with a patient sitting on an exam table holding her knee.

Preparing for RFA

To prepare for RFA, familiarize yourself with the procedure, including any fasting and medication guidelines provided by your healthcare provider.

On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing. You’ll also need to ensure you have someone you can rely on to drive you home due to post-procedure drowsiness.

A medical professional in protective gear probes a patient's knee.

During RFA

On the day of your procedure, expect a quick, outpatient process. You will receive sedation and numbing to ensure your comfort during the treatment. Depending on the number of pain sources being treated, your procedure should last 20 to 45 minutes with a brief recovery period immediately following.

Afterward, plan to rest at home, arrange for help with responsibilities, and follow your healthcare provider's guidance for a smooth recovery.

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Following RFA

For 24-48 hours after the procedure, you will need to rest and avoid driving or strenuous activity. You must follow any hygiene guidelines your doctor gives you, and you can manage any lingering discomfort with ice packs or prescribed pain relief.

Real-world results with RFA

Pain relief

80% of patients reported a clinically important improvement in pain with RFA.1,2

Patient satisfaction

Over 85% of patients self-reported treatment-associated improvement out to 2-years follow-up.1,2

Lasting relief

Patients reported continued pain relief at 12 months after their procedure.1,2 RFA procedures can be repeated to help maintain or improve pain relief.​3

Brochure about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) with a person smiling on the cover.

Get the Radiofrequency Ablation brochure

Find the tools you need to take the next step towards lasting pain relief. 

Download the RFA brochure

​Frequently asked questions

Yes. Radiofrequency ablation is a well-established drug-free treatment that has been clinically proven to provide safe, effective, lasting relief from your chronic pain.1,2 Talk with your doctor to learn more about the safety and effectiveness of Radiofrequency ablation.

Some insurance plans will cover radiofrequency ablation. Speak with your doctor and insurance carrier to verify.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients are allowed to return home with few restrictions as soon as the effects of the local anesthesia dissipate.

RFA often results in meaningful pain relief for 6 months or longer. Some patients experience pain relief up to two years after their initial procedure.1,2

Your pain could return if the treated nerves regenerate. If this happens, the procedure can be repeated.

Take your next step toward pain relief

Take the assessment

See if Radiofrequency Ablation is right for you

Answer a few questions about your symptoms. It should take less than five minutes, and you’ll get information about solutions that might work for you.

Get started

Have you been suffering from pain for more than 6 months?

A person holds a smartphone displaying the physician locator in one hand and a mug in the other.

search for a pain doctor

Find a pain management specialist near you

Find an interventional pain management specialist who offers Boston Scientific solutions near you.

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have questions?

Our patient education specialists are here to help

We’re here to provide guidance and answer questions you have in your search for pain management solutions.

Call us at (877) 473-0844

Monday through Friday

5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT

References

  1. Provenzano DA, Holt B, Danko M, Atallah J, Iqbal M, Shah B, Singh A, Sachdeva H, Donck EV, Shaw E, Haas S, Sekhar R, Pan A, Halperin DS, Goldberg E. Assessment of real-world, prospective outcomes in patients treated with lumbar radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain (RAPID). Interv Pain Med. 2025 Apr 24;4(2):100576.
  2. David A. Provenzano, Bradley Holt, Michael Danko, Joseph Atallah, Maaz Iqbal, Binit Shah, Albert Singh, Harsh Sachdeva, Ella Ver Donck, Bart Liebrand, Erik Shaw, Sherri Haas, Rajat Sekhar, Ann Pan, Daniel S. Halperin, Edward Goldberg, Assessment of real-world, prospective outcomes in patients treated with cervical radiofrequency ablation for chronic pain (RAPID), Interventional Pain Medicine, Volume 4, Issue 3, 2025, 100623, ISSN 2772-5944, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inpm.2025.100623.
  3. MacVicar J, Borowczyk JM, MacVicar AM, Loughnan BM, Bogduk N. Lumbar medial branch radiofrequency neurotomy in New Zealand. Pain Med. 2013;14(5):639-645. (N= 106)

§The physician locator tool identifies pain management specialists in your area who have met certain qualifying criteria and are experienced with one or more of Boston Scientific pain management therapies. All treatment options should be discussed thoroughly with a pain management specialist.

Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Systems* are indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable pain of the trunk and/or limbs including unilateral or bilateral pain associated with the following: Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Types I and II, Intractable low back pain and leg pain, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower extremities, Radicular pain syndrome, Radiculopathies resulting in pain secondary to failed back syndrome or herniated disc, Epidural fibrosis, Degenerative disc disease (herniated disc pain refractory to conservative and surgical interventions), Arachnoiditis, Multiple back surgeries.

The Boston Scientific Spectra WaveWriter™, WaveWriter Alpha™ and WaveWriter Alpha™ Prime SCS Systems are also indicated as an aid in the management of chronic intractable unilateral or bilateral low back and leg pain without prior back surgery.

*The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Systems include the following: Precision™ System, Precision Spectra™ System, Precision Novi™ System, Precision Montage™ MRI System, Spectra WaveWriter™ System, WaveWriter Alpha™ System, WaveWriter Alpha™ Prime System.

Note: CRPS I was previously referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and CRPS II was previously referred to as causalgia.

The mySCS™ Go Therapy Controller is intended to communicate with and control the compatible Boston Scientific Stimulator.

Contraindications: The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator systems are not for patients who are unable to operate the system, have failed trial stimulation by failing to receive effective pain relief, are poor surgical candidates, or are pregnant.

Warnings: With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device. Patients implanted with Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator systems without ImageReady™ MRI Technology should not be exposed to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Exposure to MRI may result in dislodgement of the stimulator or leads, heating of the stimulator, severe damage to the stimulator electronics and an uncomfortable or jolting sensation. As a Spinal Cord Stimulation patient, you should not have diathermy as either a treatment for a medical condition or as part of a surgical procedure. Strong electromagnetic fields, such as power generators or theft detection systems, can potentially turn the stimulator off, or cause uncomfortable jolting stimulation. The system should not be charged while sleeping. The Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator system may interfere with the operation of implanted sensing stimulators such as pacemakers or implanted cardiac defibrillators. Advise your physician that you have a Spinal Cord Stimulator before going through with other implantable device therapies so that medical decisions can be made and appropriate safety measures taken. Patients using therapy that generates paresthesia should not operate motorized vehicles such as automobiles or potentially dangerous machinery and equipment with the stimulation on. Stimulation must be turned off first in such cases. For therapy that does not generate paresthesia (i.e. subperception therapy) it is less likely that sudden stimulation changes resulting in distraction could occur while having stimulation on when operating moving vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Be sure to talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks, precautions, and benefits associated with the use of the device and what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients– as well as the risks and precautions for the procedure. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects, call 866.360.4747 or visit Pain.com.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Indications for use: The Intracept™ Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System is indicated for patients who have had chronic low back pain for at least six months, who have tried conservative care for at least six months, and whose MRI shows features consistent with Modic changes – indicating damage at the vertebral endplates has led to inflammation. Not every patient who meets these criteria is a candidate for the Intracept Procedure, however – in fact, there are specific characteristics indicating a patient should not be considered for the procedure.

Contraindications: Patients who are pregnant. Patients with weakened cardiac or pulmonary function, having an active implanted electronic medical device in the body (such as a pacemaker or defibrillator), being diagnosed with a systemic or local infection, or having an anatomy that could be damaged unintentionally while ablating the basivertebral nerve (based on your physicians’ clinical review). Patients who are skeletally immature – which generally means individuals under the age of 18 are not candidates.

Warnings: There are also certain risks and precautions regarding the procedure which you should be aware of before proceeding. With all medical procedures, there are risks and precautions associated with the procedure and the use of the device, talk with your doctor about what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients for the Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System. For complete indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and side effects visit www.relievant.com/intracept/.
Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Indications for Use: The Boston Scientific Radiofrequency Generators, associated Radiofrequency Lesion Probes and RF Cannula are indicated for use in procedures to create radiofrequency lesions for the treatment of pain or for lesioning nerve tissue for functional neurosurgical procedures. The Boston Scientific RF Injection Electrodes are used for percutaneous nerve blocks with local anesthetic solution for radiofrequency lesioning of peripheral nerve tissue only. The Boston Scientific LCED and Stereotactic TCD Electrodes are indicated for use in radiofrequency (RF) heat lesioning of nervous tissue including the Central Nervous System.

Warnings: With all medical procedures, there are risks associated with the procedure and the use of the device. The Boston Scientific RF devices may cause interference with active devices such as neurostimulators, cardiac pacemakers, and defibrillators. Interference may affect the action of these active devices or may damage them. Talk with your doctor so that you thoroughly understand all of the risks, precautions, and benefits associated with the use of the Boston Scientific Radiofrequency Generators, associated Radiofrequency Lesion Probes and RF Cannula and what indicates, and contraindicates, certain patients– as well as the risks and precautions for the procedure. For appropriate guidance, consult the instructions for use for these active devices.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

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