A sophisticated thermal energy technique that disrupts the nerve signals responsible for chronic pain — providing months to years of sustained relief when conservative treatments have failed.
RFA provides significantly longer pain relief than injections alone — often lasting 6 months to over a year.
Dr. Bhakta completed fellowship training at one of the nation's premier pain medicine programs.
Real-time imaging ensures the radiofrequency probe targets the exact nerve responsible for your pain.
ESI is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare and workers' compensation.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called radiofrequency neurotomy, uses controlled thermal energy delivered through a specialized needle to disrupt the specific nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic or damaged spinal joints to the brain. By interrupting these signals, RFA eliminates pain at its source without affecting motor function.
RFA is most commonly used for chronic facet joint pain in the neck or back — deep, aching spinal pain that worsens with twisting, bending, or prolonged sitting. It is typically recommended after diagnostic nerve blocks have confirmed which nerves are responsible for your pain.
At PDTC, Dr. Bhakta performs all radiofrequency ablation procedures under fluoroscopic guidance, using precise needle placement and sensory testing to confirm the target nerve before delivering the thermal lesion.
RFA is designed for chronic pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments or injections alone.
Radiating pain from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, caused by nerve root compression.
Learn more →Disc material pressing on spinal nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and extremities.
Learn more →Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, often causing pain during standing or walking.
Learn more →Pinched nerve in the spine causing pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates to the arms or legs.
Learn more →Age-related wear on spinal discs that can cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Learn more →A vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially compressing nerves and causing back or leg pain.
Learn more →First, a diagnostic medial branch block is performed to confirm which specific nerves are causing your pain. If you experience significant relief from the block, you are a strong candidate for RFA.
Under fluoroscopic guidance, a thin radiofrequency needle is positioned next to the target nerve. Sensory testing confirms the correct location before controlled thermal energy creates a precise lesion on the nerve.
The treated nerve can no longer transmit pain signals. Relief typically begins within 1–3 weeks and lasts 6–18 months. The nerve may regenerate over time, and the procedure can be repeated if pain returns.
Board-Certified Interventional Pain Specialist
Fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at Vanderbilt University. Board Certified for decades. Formerly served as Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. Played a pivotal role in helping establish the St. Francis Health System Pain Department. Serving Tulsa since 2000.
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