Radiofrequency Denervation of the Cervical and Lumbar Spine

Facet or zygapophysial joint pain is commonly seen in the aging population. Interventional procedures, such as facet joint nerve blocks, facet intraarticular injections, and radiofrequency denervation, are used for the diagnosis and treatment of axial spinal chronic neck and low back pain. The focus of this article is to understand how radiofrequency denervation works in the cervical and lumbar spine and to be able to properly select appropriate patients who might benefit from this safe and effective procedure.