Our minimally invasive facet ablation treats pain from arthritis in the spine. It targets the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints, the joints along the back of the spine closest to the skin, without disturbing the surrounding muscles. For many patients with chronic neck or back pain, it provides long-lasting relief.
This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.
Facet ablation is an outpatient procedure:
Confirm the source
Diagnostic blocks confirm the facet joints as the pain generator.
Numbing and guidance
A local anesthetic is given and imaging guides the probe.
Targeted heat
Heat is applied to the small nerves carrying pain from the joint.
Home the same day
Most patients return home shortly after the procedure.
Facet ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted heat to interrupt the small nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic facet joints, relieving chronic neck or back pain.
Facet joints are the small joints along the back of the spine, closest to the skin, that connect the vertebrae and allow bending and twisting.
Patients with chronic neck or back pain from facet joint arthritis, usually confirmed by diagnostic facet injections or medial branch blocks, are candidates.
Relief often lasts for many months, and in some cases longer. Nerves can regenerate over time, and the procedure can be repeated if pain returns.
The procedure is designed to target the source of pain without disturbing the surrounding muscles or other nerves.
It can relieve localized neck or low back pain, persistent tenderness, stiffness and limited movement, and pain that radiates into the buttock and leg or shoulder and arm.
Both use heat to interrupt the nerves carrying joint pain. Radiofrequency ablation is one common way of performing ablation of the facet joint nerves.
Reach out to our Patient Care Advocates to discuss facet ablation or other minimally invasive spine procedures. Call (321) 499-4646.
Symptoms of facet arthritis vary from person to person. The most common include:
Recovery after facet ablation is generally quick.
Same day
Home and rest
Some soreness at the treatment site is common.
First weeks
Relief builds
Pain relief typically develops over one to three weeks.
Months
Lasting relief
Relief often lasts many months, and treatment can be repeated if needed.
Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.
Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.
Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques
We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.
Same-day, outpatient procedures
Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.
Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons
Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.
A complimentary MRI review
Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.
Trusted by our community
More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.
Patient-centered care
We focus on each individual's needs, guided by our Patient Care Advocates.
Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care
From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.
Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando
Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.
