Arthritis in the spine—particularly in the facet joints—is a common source of back pain, but unlike a hip or knee, these joints can’t simply be replaced. At Hunter Pain Specialists, we offer radiofrequency treatment as a non-surgical option to help manage this type of pain. The procedure involves using specialised needles to heat the nerves around the affected joints, reducing their ability to send pain signals to the brain. While the arthritis itself remains, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain, creating a valuable window where they can move more freely, rebuild strength, and work more effectively with their physiotherapist. The procedure is carried out under sedation with an anaesthetist present, so it’s generally well tolerated. Some people experience a short-term increase in pain afterwards, but this usually settles within one to two weeks. The relief can last for up to 12 months and may be repeated if needed. If you're living with ongoing back pain, it's worth speaking to your GP to see if you're a candidate for radiofrequency treatment.
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