Key facts
- What it covers: image-guided, nerve-targeted procedures for chronic pain — diagnostic nerve blocks and, where confirmed appropriate, radiofrequency neurotomy.
- How it works: a specific nerve carrying pain signals is targeted directly, either temporarily (block) or for a longer-lasting effect (ablation).
- Typical duration of relief: radiofrequency neurotomy commonly provides months to over a year of relief, as the nerve can regenerate over time.
- Diagnostic step first: a temporary nerve block is usually performed before any ablation, to confirm the target nerve is genuinely driving the pain.
Chronic pain management procedures use image guidance to target the specific nerve or nerve branch responsible for transmitting pain signals from a joint or region of the body — rather than treating pain broadly with medication alone. This category includes diagnostic nerve blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy (nerve ablation), and complements the joint- and spine-specific procedures offered elsewhere in this practice.
Diagnostic nerve blocks
Before committing to a longer-lasting nerve ablation, a diagnostic block is typically performed first — a small amount of local anaesthetic is injected around the target nerve under image guidance to temporarily interrupt its signal. If the patient's pain significantly improves during the period the block is active, this confirms the nerve is a genuine driver of the pain, and supports proceeding to a more definitive treatment.
Radiofrequency neurotomy (nerve ablation)
Where a diagnostic block confirms the right target, radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves, delivered through a fine needle-like probe, to disable the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. It's commonly used for facet joint-related spinal pain (see our dedicated page on spinal injections and interventions) and for certain peripheral joint pain, including some knee osteoarthritis presentations.
What to expect
Both diagnostic blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy are typically day procedures performed under local anaesthetic, with light sedation available where needed. Relief from radiofrequency neurotomy commonly lasts from several months to over a year, since the treated nerve fibres can eventually regenerate — at which point the procedure can be safely repeated if the original response was positive.
Who these procedures suit
- Chronic joint or spinal pain where a specific nerve has been identified, or is suspected, as the primary pain driver
- Patients who've had a positive response to conservative treatment but want a longer-lasting option than repeated medication or injections
- Patients wanting to avoid or delay more invasive surgical options
Common questions
What is radiofrequency neurotomy?
Radiofrequency neurotomy uses heat generated by radio waves to disable a specific small nerve that's transmitting pain signals — commonly used for facet joint-related back pain after a diagnostic nerve block has confirmed the pain source.
How long does pain relief from nerve ablation last?
Effects commonly last from several months up to a year or more, as the treated nerve can eventually regenerate. Repeat treatment is possible if the pain returns and the original nerve block response was positive.
Why is a diagnostic nerve block done first?
A diagnostic block temporarily numbs the target nerve to confirm it's genuinely the source of pain before proceeding to a longer-lasting ablation — this improves the likelihood that the definitive treatment will actually help.
Next step
Living with chronic pain?
Ask your GP about a referral, or get in touch directly to discuss whether these procedures apply to you.
Get in touch