Corpus Christi
2701 Morgan Ave #425, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
(361) 444-6044More info about Corpus Christi
Radiofrequency Ablation
An image-guided procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to create a controlled lesion on selected medial branch nerves, considered for facet-mediated axial neck or low back pain after qualifying diagnostic blocks and clinical review.
- Role
- Therapeutic
- Target
- Medial branches
- Guidance
- Fluoroscopy
- Access
- 6 Texas clinics
JHMedically reviewed by Dr. John Hall, Pain Management SpecialistLast updated July 2026
Quick overview
Who We Help
Two audiences read this page: the patient considering treatment and the professional coordinating the related care or claim.
Injured patients
Patients with predominantly axial neck or low back pain whose clinician is considering RFA after qualifying diagnostic medial branch blocks.
Attorneys and case managers
Firms coordinating a spine-injury claim that need the indication, diagnostic-block response, treated levels, procedure details, and follow-up plan documented clearly.
Overview
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses radiofrequency energy to create a controlled thermal lesion on selected medial branch nerves. The goal is to interrupt pain-signal transmission from facet joints evaluated through the clinical record and qualifying diagnostic blocks.
A response to diagnostic blocks can support patient selection, but it does not guarantee the outcome of RFA. Benefit, duration, and recovery vary, and nerves can regain function over time. The treating clinician applies current clinical and payer criteria to each case.
Conditions
When Radiofrequency Ablation Is Used
RFA may be considered when the clinical picture and qualifying diagnostic blocks support a facet-mediated pain pathway.
Qualifying response to diagnostic medial branch blocks
Predominantly axial neck or low back pain
Symptoms that affect daily function
Clinical findings consistent with a facet-mediated source
Symptoms persisting after appropriate conservative care
Recurrent pain after a prior beneficial RFA when clinically appropriate
The procedure
How Radiofrequency Ablation Works
The indication, target levels, preparation, and follow-up plan are confirmed before the procedure.
1
Reviewing the indication
The clinician reviews symptoms, examination findings, imaging, prior care, diagnostic-block responses, and applicable criteria.
2
Preparing the treatment area
The patient is positioned, the treatment area is cleaned, and local anesthetic is used according to the clinical plan.
3
Fluoroscopic placement
The physician uses fluoroscopic imaging to guide specialized needles toward the selected medial branch targets.
4
Testing and lesioning
Stimulation may be used when clinically appropriate before controlled radiofrequency energy creates the planned thermal lesion.
5
Observation and follow-up
The patient is observed before discharge and follows individualized activity, medication, symptom-monitoring, and follow-up instructions.
Practical details
What to Expect
Preparation and follow-up vary by target region, medical history, medication, facility instructions, and payer criteria.
Visit
Outpatient
The team confirms check-in, medication, fasting, and transportation instructions before the appointment.
Guidance
Image guided
Fluoroscopy is used to guide placement at the selected medial branch targets.
Response
Individual
The degree and duration of benefit vary, and improvement is not guaranteed.
Next step
Clinician guided
Follow-up timing, activity progression, and further treatment are individualized.
Outcomes
Potential Benefits, Risks, and Recovery
The clinician reviews the treatment goal, alternatives, limitations, and patient-specific risks before treatment.
1Benefits
May reduce facet-mediated painMay improve function and activity toleranceMay reduce reliance on some pain-management measuresCan inform the next stage of a broader care plan
2Risks
Temporary soreness, numbness, or pain flareNerve irritation or neuritisBleeding, infection, or skin injuryRare unintended nerve injury or motor change
3Recovery
Activity follows individualized discharge instructionsMedication guidance is patient specificSymptoms may change gradually after treatmentFollow-up is set by the treating clinician
When to call us. Contact the clinic promptly for fever, spreading redness, drainage, or worsening pain. Seek urgent care for new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
Referral workflow
Referral, Documentation, and Communication
GTOA coordinates referral intake, scheduling, available records, and status communication for patients and authorized legal teams.
Initial evaluation report
History, mechanism of injury, examination findings, diagnosis, and the proposed treatment plan.
Clinical and imaging context
Available imaging is considered alongside symptoms, examination findings, prior care, and alternative pain sources.
Clinical correlation
When clinically appropriate, documentation may discuss how the reported incident, findings, and pre-existing conditions relate.
Procedure and response record
Indication, treated levels, guidance, testing when used, lesion parameters, tolerance, and follow-up are documented as appropriate.
Future care recommendations
The clinician may document rehabilitation, follow-up, repeat treatment, or a different pathway when supported by the record.
Response times
Scheduling and records timing depend on location, clinical need, authorization, record availability, and clinician review. The team confirms the next step for each request.
Referral requestReviewed by the team
SchedulingBased on clinical and authorization needs
Procedure notesAvailable after clinician review
Records requestsConfirmed for each request
Status communicationProvided at key milestones
Cost & coverage
Insurance, Payment, and Case Coordination
Coverage and payment arrangements vary. Contact the team before scheduling so eligibility, authorization, and current options can be confirmed.
Health insurance
Contact GTOA to verify current plan participation, benefits, and any authorization requirements before the procedure.
Qualified injury cases
Lien-based arrangements may be available for qualifying personal injury cases. The team confirms eligibility and terms for each referral.
Self-pay
Patients paying directly can contact the office for current pricing and available payment arrangements.
Why GTOA
Why Choose GTOA?
The same six reasons matter to a patient choosing a clinic and to a firm choosing where to send a client.
01
Clinical assessment first
Symptoms, examination findings, imaging, prior care, diagnostic responses, and alternative pain sources are reviewed before RFA is recommended.
02
Image-guided placement
Radiofrequency ablation is performed with fluoroscopic guidance at the selected medial branch targets.
03
Patient selection
Diagnostic-block responses and current clinical or payer criteria are considered before treatment.
04
Clear procedure record
Documentation can identify the indication, treated levels, approach, guidance, testing, lesion parameters, and follow-up plan.
05
Coordinated communication
Patients and authorized legal teams can contact GTOA about scheduling, status questions, and available records.
06
Six Texas clinics
Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Arlington, and Corpus Christi provide access to GTOA care across Texas.
Department
Pain management
Other departments
Request care or refer a client
Patients can request care through Contact Us, and legal teams can begin a referral through the For Attorneys page.
Main branch(409) 600-8707
Medical review
Radiofrequency ablation specialist
The physician responsible for the medical review of this page.
Our branches
Find a clinic near you
Corporate office: 324 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, TX 77707
Arlington
907(A) Medical Center Drive, Arlington, TX 76012
(409) 600-8690More info about ArlingtonDallas
8330 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Suite B400, Dallas, TX 75243
(469) 673-3064More info about DallasSan Antonio
7220 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 130, San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 468-3440More info about San AntonioHouston
8928 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054
(409) 600-8690More info about HoustonBeaumont (Corporate HQ)
324 North 23rd St, Beaumont, TX 77707
(409) 600-8707More info about Beaumont (Corporate HQ)Related care
Related Services
Services directly connected to diagnostic selection for RFA or to evaluation when another spine pain source is identified.
For patients
A medial branch block places local anesthetic near selected nerves to gather diagnostic information. RFA uses radiofrequency energy to create a controlled lesion on selected nerves as a therapeutic procedure.
For attorneys and case managers
The clinician considers symptoms, examination findings, imaging context, conservative care, diagnostic-block responses, procedural accuracy, and applicable clinical or payer criteria.