Mid Back Ablation at The Pain Experts of Arizona in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

If you’re struggling with persistent pain in your middle or upper back that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, mid back ablation may offer long-lasting relief. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our experienced pain specialists provide thoracic medial branch radiofrequency ablation (RFA)—a minimally invasive outpatient procedure—to help patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa regain control over their lives and get back to doing what they love.

What Is Mid Back Ablation?

Mid back ablation, also known as thoracic medial branch radiofrequency ablation, is a procedure performed by a pain doctor to reduce chronic pain in the thoracic spine. This section of the spine, located in the mid back, consists of 12 vertebrae that connect to the rib cage and provide support and protection for vital organs. While this area has limited mobility, it’s still susceptible to conditions that cause inflammation and nerve irritation.

Mid back ablation works by using a small electrical current to create heat lesions on the medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints to the brain. By disrupting these signals, the procedure helps eliminate or significantly reduce pain, giving you the freedom to pursue a pain-free lifestyle.

Conditions Treated with Mid Back Ablation

Our pain clinic treats a variety of conditions that affect the thoracic spine and can cause chronic or debilitating pain. Facet joints in the thoracic spine can become inflamed due to injury, aging, or wear and tear, which in turn irritates the surrounding medial branch nerves. When this happens, pain can become unrelenting—even with physical therapy or medications.

Conditions that can benefit from mid back ablation include:

• Spondylosis (degenerative arthritis of the spine)

• Spondylolisthesis (slippage of vertebrae)

• Chronic thoracic facet joint pain

• Chronic chest wall pain

• Persistent middle back pain not responsive to other treatments

Our pain specialists will determine whether mid back ablation is right for you by first performing a diagnostic medial branch block to confirm the source of pain.

Benefits of Choosing Our Pain Clinic

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our pain doctors specialize in minimally invasive procedures that deliver proven, long-term results. Patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa trust our pain clinic because we offer:

• Customized treatment plans tailored to your condition

• State-of-the-art technology for accurate nerve targeting

• Minimally invasive outpatient procedures

• An experienced team of board-certified pain specialists

• Compassionate care and ongoing support during recovery

What to Expect During the Procedure

Mid back ablation is typically performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation. Here’s how it works:

Before the Procedure

Your pain doctor will guide you through the process and review any necessary imaging or pre-procedure guidelines. A medial branch block may be administered first to determine if you’re a good candidate.

During the Procedure

• You’ll lie face down while the pain specialist uses X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance to insert a hollow needle near the affected medial branch nerves.

• Contrast dye may be used to confirm placement.

• A radiofrequency electrode is then inserted through the needle, and heat is applied to ablate the nerves.

• Each nerve takes approximately 90 seconds to treat, and the procedure is usually completed within 15 to 45 minutes.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients can return home shortly after their mid back ablation. Recovery is generally quick and well-tolerated:

• Rest is recommended for the first 24 hours post-procedure.

• You may experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site, which can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter medications.

• Some patients experience a temporary increase in pain before improvement begins.

• Many resume normal activities the following day, though strenuous activity should be avoided for several days.

Your pain specialist will provide personalized recovery instructions to support optimal healing.

Risks and Side Effects

While thoracic medial branch radiofrequency ablation is considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:

• Temporary swelling or bruising at the injection site

• Increased pain or sensitivity shortly after the procedure

• Local numbness or tingling

• Rare risks include infection, nerve damage, or allergic reactions

These risks are significantly reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced pain doctor using advanced imaging techniques, like those used at our Arizona pain clinics.

Schedule a Consultation with an Arizona Pain Specialist Today

If you’re having pain-related difficulty, The Pain Experts of Arizona can help. Our award-winning pain doctors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa specialize in vertebral augmentation and other advanced pain management treatments to restore function and improve your quality of life.

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better.

The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

Follow Us!