Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation: A Breakthrough Treatment for Chronic Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common health problems today, affecting people across all age groups. While many patients find relief through physiotherapy, medications, or lifestyle changes, some continue to suffer from persistent pain that affects their work, sleep, and overall quality of life. For such patients, Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA) has emerged as a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective treatment option.

Coolief CRFA technology for management of chronic low back pain

🔹 What is Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation (CRFA)?

Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation is an advanced form of radiofrequency therapy that targets the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine to the brain. Unlike traditional radiofrequency ablation, this technique uses water-cooled technology to create a larger treatment area around the nerve, ensuring better pain relief and longer-lasting results.

🔹 How Does it Work?

• A thin needle is inserted near the affected nerve under X-ray or ultrasound guidance.

• Radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle while circulating water cools the tip.

• The nerve fibers responsible for pain are gently heated and disrupted, preventing them from carrying pain signals.

• Since the cooling prevents excessive heat build-up, the treated area is larger and more effective compared to standard RFA.

🔹 Conditions Treated with CRFA

Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation is particularly effective for:

• Facet joint pain (arthritis-related back and neck pain)

• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain

• Chronic low back pain unresponsive to medications or physiotherapy

• Certain cases of neck pain

🔹 Benefits of Cooled RFA

✅ Minimally invasive, no stitches or major surgery

✅ Performed as a day-care procedure

✅ Provides longer-lasting relief (often 12–24 months) compared to conventional RFA

✅ Reduces dependency on pain medications

✅ Improves mobility and overall quality of life

✅ Safe with very low complication rates

🔹 Recovery and Aftercare

• Most patients go home the same day.

• Mild soreness at the injection site may last for a few days.

• Patients can usually return to routine activities within 24–48 hours.

• Physiotherapy and core strengthening are recommended to maintain long-term benefits.

  
  

🔹 Who is an Ideal Candidate?

You may benefit from CRFA if you have:

• Chronic back or neck pain for more than 3–6 months

• Pain that worsens with standing, bending, or certain postures

• Limited relief from medications, injections, or physiotherapy

• A confirmed diagnosis of facet or SI joint pain through diagnostic injections

🔹 Risks and Safety

Cooled RFA is considered very safe. Minor side effects include temporary numbness or discomfort at the injection site. Serious complications are rare when performed by a trained spine specialist.

🔹 Conclusion

Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation offers new hope to patients suffering from chronic back pain who have exhausted other treatment options. With its minimally invasive approach and long-lasting pain relief, it is quickly becoming one of the most trusted therapies in modern spine care.

If you are struggling with persistent back or neck pain, consult a spine specialist to know whether cooled radiofrequency ablation is the right treatment for you.

Dr. Om Patil

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon – Mumbai

Helping patients get their Back in Action with advanced minimally invasive spine solutions.

9819191896