Radiofrequency denervation
If you are living with facet joint pain in your back or neck, our pain management specialists can helpFacet joint inflammation or arthritis is a common cause of neck and back pain and can also cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness and referred pain to other parts of your body including arms and legs. Radiofrequency denervation is an effective, approved treatment that uses heat to disrupt the nerve on the surface of the facet joint, helping to relieve pain. Treatment will usually be proceeded by a diagnostic block of the same nerves.
Multidisciplinary experts supporting fast treatment
We work with pain management Specialists, who work with a wider team of experts including Orthopaedic, Spinal and Sport Medicine Consultants and Physical Therapists to ensure you receive comprehensive diagnosis and a range of treatments for your back pain when needed. The teams are supported by state-of-the-art imaging and theatre facilities give you fast access to facet radiofrequency denervation.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need a procedure or surgery, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
FAQs
Where will my procedure take place?
Regardless of where you had your initial consultation, all surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
What does radiofrequency denervation involve?
Your procedure will take place with live X-ray to allow accurate instrument placement. You may be sedated for comfort but many procedures are undertaken with local anaesthetic. Your Consultant will discuss this with you during your consultation. You will be assisted onto the operating table and made comfortable with pillows. Being sedated means you are conscious and can respond to any questions, but you will feel sleepy, and comfortable. Many patients don’t remember the procedure.
Your Consultant will place an electrode needle against the surface of the facet joint where the nerve entering it sits, inject local anaesthetic to block pain and apply heat once or twice for one minute.
Will it hurt?
You should expect to feel the placement of the needle, injection of anaesthetic and some local heat in the back. If this is painful your Consultant will stop and adjust. If you are sedated during the procedure you will be aware but should feel comfortable throughout. You should expect some pain in the few days following the treatment. About a third of patients may have quite prolonged pain after (two to four weeks or occasionally more) but this will settle down.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.